If you\u2019re looking to get your midsection into shape, these home exercises are a great place to start.<\/p>\n
Menopause brings on many changes to your body as you navigate this phase of life\u2014and even after. Women can experience sleeplessness, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, fatigue, weight gain, and more. And it doesn\u2019t stop there. Post-menopause could increase your risk<\/a> of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and metabolic slow-down.<\/p>\n Developing an unwanted \u201cmenopause belly<\/a>\u201d can also occur. But don\u2019t despair. We spoke with Shanna Missett Nelson<\/a>, CEO and chief choreographer\u2014Jazzercise, Inc.<\/a>, who shares four standing exercises that can help strengthen and define your midsection quicker than crunches after 60.<\/p>\n \u201cFor women over 60, I think it\u2019s really important to understand that strengthening your abs and changing body composition are two different things. These exercises can absolutely help build a stronger, firmer core, but we can\u2019t spot-reduce belly fat.That doesn\u2019t mean body composition can\u2019t change after 60. It can. But the way we train needs to become more intentional,\u201d Missett Nelson stresses.<\/p>\n She\u2019s a major advocate for blending functional movement with strength training and high-intensity intervals\u2014especially for women after menopause.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to give the body a reason to hold onto, and continue building muscle, while challenging our cardiovascular fitness and maintaining the strength and mobility we need for everyday life,\u201d Missett Nelson adds.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e<\/p>\n Now, if you\u2019re ready to get started, let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n \tStanding Abductions<\/p>\n Begin by standing tall with your feet hip-width apart and hands on your hips. (Alternatively, feel free to hold onto a sturdy chair for extra support.)
\nActivate your core and shift your weight onto your left leg.
\nKeep your right leg straight and toes pointed forward as you lift it out to the side as high as you\u2019re comfortably able to.
\nHold at the top for a moment before lowering with control.
\nRepeat on the other side.<\/p>\n