One important factor in maintaining a healthy body is consistent exercise, particularly for those over 60. A lifestyle coach has shared four standing exercises that can engage the deep core muscles, which may help reduce stubborn belly fat when combined with a nutritious diet.
According to Terry Tateossian, a certified lifestyle medicine coach, achieving results does not necessarily require weight lifting. Tateossian suggests that managing nutrition is crucial for controlling body fat throughout the body. She emphasizes that consuming a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, and fats is vital, as one cannot target fat loss in specific areas. Instead, fat tends to reduce overall, with the belly often being the last area to show changes.
She explains that many traditional exercises, like hip thrusts and Romanian deadlifts, do not specifically target the low core muscles. While these exercises stabilize the core, they do not strengthen it directly.
Belly fat can become more common with age due to hormonal changes and shifts in fat distribution. Tateossian notes that without lifestyle adjustments during midlife, individuals may find themselves gaining weight around the belly, making it essential to adopt preventive habits as one ages.
Tateossian provides several exercises for engaging the core: Standing Straight Leg Raises, Standing Marches with a Band, Overhead Reach with a Pilates Ball, and Diagonal Chops. These movements are designed to be effective at any age and should be complemented by a protein-rich diet.
