One of the problems that comes along with aging is the addition of a flabby stomach in many women. This occurs because of changes in hormone levels and lowering of your metabolism because of age and a lack of activity. Older women can combat the effects of aging and lifestyle by performing activities that help reduce the stomach area. This includes such things as specific ab exercises, exercises that focus on the core muscles, whole-body workouts, and choosing to eat a healthy diet.
Ab Exercises
Perform abdominal exercises every week to combat a large tummy area if you are an older woman. Targeted abdominal exercises can help strengthen and tone your muscles so that they are stronger and look better. Exercises include situps or crunches, which are done in a prone position on the floor. Make sure that you do not overextend your neck when you perform this type of exercise. Start by doing 20 situps per session a few times per week, and try to eventually do 50 situps every other day.
Core Exercises
Core exercises focus on the important muscles in your core that help keep you stabilized while moving or doing activities. These include the muscles in your abdominal region, back, thighs and buttocks. The plank, an exercise often done in yoga, is a core exercise that focuses on your abdominals in a healthy way. This modified pushup is done by holding your body pushed upward for 10 to 20 seconds before gently lowering yourself back to the floor. Do core exercises at least three times per week for best results.
Full Body Workouts
There are many workouts that help get your abs in shape and also work out different areas of your body. Pilates and yoga both involve exercises that make your ab muscles stronger, and are great for older women because they are gentle. Try doing a downward dog stretch for a few minutes by placing your hands and feet on the ground with your midsection in the air; your body will create a "V" shape. Take a brisk 30 minute walk a few times per week to help get rid of your flabby belly.
Tips
Because your metabolism naturally slows as you age it is important to eat a healthy diet and drink lots of water throughout the day. This will increase the efficacy of your workouts and lessen the amount of stomach flab. Exercise your entire body at least three times per week and your abdominal muscles and core three to five times for best results, regardless of how old you are.