ThirdAge Staff
Do you want a trim, taut tummy?
"It may take months to firm up," says Tracey Mallett, a certified Pilates instructor and personal trainer in South Pasadena, Calif. But "beginning an abdominal workout campaign during winter will help build a stronger stomach by spring, and a trimmer one by summer."
A combination of resistance training and cardiovascular work can help burn fat and build muscle, says ThirdAge fitness expert Chad Tackett. "Learning to love your body and maintaining a positive self-image" can also help you stay motivated while morphing your middle from flab to fab.
Along with cardiovascular workouts, you'll need to do resistance exercises that target the abdominals. The Abdominal Training FAQ is an introduction to the basics of ab training.
While building up your six-pack (formally known as the rectus abdominus muscles), remember to steer clear of beer and other diet wreckers. Rock-hard abs won't show under a layer of fat.
What about the ab machines you see in all the advertisements? Charlotte, N.C., certified personal trainer and GoCarolinas' online health columnist Mia Adams says it's impossible to say whether all of them are effective. In her experience, however, rolling ab machines that feature "a contouring neck cradle and have a pillow for your head, plus adjustable arm supports and options for changing body positions and exercises as you advance" can help tone and strengthen abs.
