Address stubborn lower belly fat with this simple morning routine.<\/p>\n
Lower belly fat can be especially challenging to lose after 50. As we age, natural hormonal changes, slower metabolism, heightened cortisol levels, and a decline in muscle<\/a> make it pretty easy for fat to settle in the abdominal area. Don\u2019t despair, because it\u2019s easy to combat with a solid exercise regimen in place. We spoke with a wellness and fitness pro and are here with a five-minute morning routine<\/a> to help flatten a stubborn lower belly<\/a> after 50.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e<\/p>\n \u201cFlattening the lower belly after 50 isn\u2019t about more crunches or aggressive cardio. It\u2019s about preserving lean muscle, improving insulin sensitivity, and strengthening deep core support,\u201d explains Karen Ann Canham, CEO and founder of Karen Ann Wellness<\/a>, Board-Certified Wellness Coach, and Nervous System Specialist who has almost two decades of experience in wellness.<\/p>\n According to Canham, consistency is what yields progress, but there are benefits to establishing a solid morning workout routine.<\/p>\n \u201cIn adults over 50, cortisol naturally peaks in the early morning. A short, controlled strength-based routine can: improve insulin sensitivity<\/a> for the day, enhance muscle activation before prolonged sitting, reduce stiffness from overnight inactivity, [and] improve posture and core engagement early,\u201d Canham tells us. \u201cThat said, timing matters far less than frequency. The real benefit comes from activating deep core and metabolic muscle daily. A five-minute routine done consistently beats a 30-minute workout done occasionally.\u201d<\/p>\n The routine below activates the deep core stabilizers and larger muscle groups that impact belly fat storage and appearance.<\/p>\n \tSupine Deep Core Breathing<\/p>\n Supine deep core breathing (TVA activation) trains what\u2019s known as the \u201ccorset muscle,\u201d which draws your lower abs in. Canham recommends completing 1 to 2 sets of 5 to 6 slow, deep breaths. This should take about 60 seconds.<\/p>\n