A board-certified wellness expert shares 5 daily moves to improve belly overhang after 60.<\/p>\n
Ah, belly fat. Fat in this area of the body seems so easy to put on\u2014and incredibly challenging to lose. But rest assured, with just the right lifestyle habits on deck, you can tame and tighten your abdomen. This requires reassessing your diet, workout routine, and stress management practices. To help you out with the fitness part of the equation, we spoke with 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 and corporate leadership. Canham shares five daily exercises that flatten belly fat<\/a> quicker than crunches after 60.<\/p>\n \u201cA \u2018belly overhang<\/a>\u2018 after 60 is typically the result of several overlapping factors\u2014not just excess fat,\u201d Canham tells us. First, sarcopenia reduces muscle tone in the core and lower body. As deep stabilizing muscles weaken, the abdomen has less structural support and can protrude. Second, hormonal changes\u2014including lower estrogen and testosterone\u2014shift fat storage toward the lower abdomen. Third, skin elasticity declines with age due to reduced collagen, which can contribute to a softer, more pronounced overhang.\u201d<\/p>\n And finally, changes in posture\u2014such as an anterior pelvic tilt\u2014and sedentary habits can worsen the appearance of a protruding belly, even in those who are active.<\/p>\n \u201cAddressing it requires improving muscle support, posture, and overall body composition, not just increasing activity,\u201d Canham says. \u201cCrunches<\/a> target the rectus abdominis, but they don\u2019t address the deeper core muscles that support the abdomen. They also don\u2019t reduce fat in a specific area\u2014fat loss occurs systemically, not locally.\u201d<\/p>\n Below, Canham breaks down five daily exercises to prioritize in your workouts. They emphasized deep core strengthening, full-body muscle engagement, and pelvic alignment\u2014all of which are crucial for improving the appearance and function of the abdominal region after 60.<\/p>\n \tSupine Deep Core Breathing<\/p>\n Lie flat on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the mattress.
\nPlace one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
\nTake a deep breath in through the nose, allowing your lower hand to naturally rise as your belly expands.
\nSlowly exhale through the mouth.
\nPerform 2 sets of 8 to 10 gradual breaths.<\/p>\n