At 67, Denise Austin Demonstrates ‘Effective’ Core Exercise for ‘Menopausal Belly’
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Denise Austin, 67, shared an exercise to target “menopausal belly.”
The fitness pro demonstrated a core exercise to address the “stubborn” area.
She explained that the standing move targets the “entire core.”
Losing weight after menopause can be difficult, especially losing belly fat. Luckily, fitness pro Denise Austin is here to help. Austin has shared her top menopause tips in the past and is now demonstrating one of her favorite menopause exercises for toning abs and targeting “menopausal belly.”
“I know how tough that stubborn menopause belly can be, I’ve been through it and still [am] trying my best to stay fit and healthy!!! Core muscles are so important to keep strong…I just want to encourage you to try and be consistent! That is key to feeling better...just keep moving,” Austin captioned her video. “Here’s a Menopause ab exercise that’s simple but effective!! Plus, it’s easy and it’s a standing exercise that works your entire core—abs, obliques, back, and shoulders! Stand up and try with me today! Engage those abs!!!! It’s also great for circulation too!!!! Love you girls...we are all in this together!!!!! Xoxo”
In the video, Austin explains that the standing move is called a “wood chop.” To begin, she stands with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart before bending her right knee towards the ground, clasping her hands out in front of her, and reaching them towards her front foot, both knees forming 90-degree angles. Then, she stands up, reaching her arms overhead on the opposite side of her body. “Tighten up those abs. Push down and reach up!” she explains. “Drive through your heel to your hip. Do this 30 times on each side.”
While Austin performs this move without equipment, we bet you could easily amplify the exercise by holding a single hand weight to add even more strength training.
Austin’s followers loved the simple, informative video. “So right Denise—as you always say, use it or lose it👏” one fan commented. “Omg yes...menopause belly. I never thought I’d hit that so young. So important to talk about 💕” another added.
But what is a “menopausal belly,” anyway? Many women going through menopause experience a shift in hormones causing belly fat, also known as “hormonal belly.” Many hormones can do this, but for women in menopause, estrogen is often the culprit. The body experiences a decline in estrogen with the onset of menopause which can “create a shift in body composition which favors fat distribution towards the center of the body, around the abdomen,” Krista Gonzales, M.D., endocrinologist and educator at Pritikin Longevity Center previously told Prevention.
No matter the cause of your belly fat, it’s important to note that you can’t pick and choose where you lose weight on your body. A balanced approach including cardio, nutritious eating habits, and weight training can all help you lose weight overall. Adding effective core exercises (like this one from Austin) can help tone a targeted area.
If you’re looking for more of Austin’s top cardio and core moves, check out our favorites below.
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