Help for pot belly

[ewatkins]

As I approach 50, I am finding my "tummy" getting plumper. Someone told me that crunches will only work the uppper abs and give you a "six pack" -- I don't care about that. What can I do for the "lower" part, or do I just need good core muscle tone as other posts have commented?

[emilycat]

Core muscle strength is extremely important, but you can also do exercises that target the lower abdominals, such as hanging ab lifts (pulling you legs up to your chest, either bent or extended). The only way that you'll lose excess fat, however, is through cardiovascular exercise. Your muscles may get tighter, but your stomach won't get any smaller without burning off the excess. Good luck! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Laura]

The Denise Austin Pilates tape that has been mentioned has a good lower ab work out section. My only caution is that if your lower back is weak, you definitely need to modify the exercises. I second the knee raises if you have access to a gym, they, by far, have tightened my lower abs the most.

[lindrusso]

Just to add to Laura and Emily's good advice...generally speaking, any sit up that is performed with the legs off the floor will target the lower abs. I'd advise checking out some magazines or books or asking a personal trainer for instruction.

Sit ups are one of those things that are often performed incorrectly. If you don't do them just right, you won't really get much benefit from them. So, technique is very important.

[Luv to Cook]

I just learned something new at the gym using a fitness ball. It is quite challenging at first, but it really works.

Lay flat on a mat with your legs straight and your arms over your head (so your body is a straight line). Hold a small fitness ball (a little bigger than a basketball, not one of the huge ones) in your hands. Lift your arms with the ball and lift your legs at the same time. Transfer the ball to in between your knees and let your legs go back down. At the same time place your arms back to the starting position. Then lift your legs up and also your arms and pass the ball back to your hands. Bring your legs and arms back down. Repeat 10 times (3 sets). It will get easier after a few weeks. Add more as necessary.

I hope this makes sense. If it doensn't, let me know and I will try to explain! It has really helped my abs (and this is coming from someone who has had a very difficult time with my belly!).