So, you’re 50, and it’s clear that you’ve gained a little more than wisdom over the years. Yes, the belly fat battle is never-ending. Unfortunately, it’s not all within your control. Many studies show that weight gain in your fifties and particularly around the midriff can be attributed in part to hormonal changes [1]. But hope is not lost!
If you watch what you eat (easier said than done, I know) and follow a well-designed exercise plan, you’ll shed some of those extra pounds around the middle in no time!
DOWNLOAD THE EXERCISES IN PDF
As part of that plan, core, can help. But wait, what are core exercises? How are they different to abs? Aren’t they the same thing? core,? ¿En qué se diferencian de los abdominales? ¿No son lo mismo?
The answer is no!
What are the core muscles?
Your core is a set of set of muscles that extend far beyond your abs. They include the abdominal muscles and back muscles, including the muscles along the spine, as well as your hips and pelvis muscles. These are mostly hidden beneath the muscles people typically train with traditional ab exercises like situps or crunches.
What are the benefits of training your core muscles?
There are many benefits to training your core muscles.
The short of it….core exercises:
- They help you flatten your tummy faster than other exercises
- They help you stop peeing when you laugh or sneeze (or at least help you pee less)
- They help you prevent injury and falls
The long of it...
They help you flatten your tummy faster than other exercises
Unlike many traditional ab exercises like crunches, which target a specific set of ab muscles, most core exercises work multiple muscle groups at once. And not just all your ab muscles (you heard right…all of them), but certain exercises like planks will also work your glutes, back muscles and arm muscles too. That’s right, say goodbye to those granny arms!
Los ejercicios que trabajan varios grupos musculares a la vez se denominan “ejercicios compuestos”. No sólo te ayudan a construir más músculo con mayor rapidez, sino que también queman más calorías que los ejercicios aislados (ejercicios que se dirigen a un solo grupo muscular).
Te ayudan a dejar de orinarte cuando te ríes o estornudas
If this happens to you, rest assured you are not alone. Nearly half of women over age 50 report bladder leakage problems [2]. Pasa con frecuencia porque los músculos del suelo pélvico se debilitan con la edad o el parto.
So, how do core exercises help with this?
The pelvic floor muscle - you guessed it – is part of the core muscles. By strengthening these muscles, it can help reduce the risk of leakage.
They help you prevent injury and falls
As we age, our muscles weaken and bones weaken, leaving us more susceptible to falls and injury [3]. Los músculos del core no sólo nos ayudan a dar forma y esculpir nuestra zona media, sino que también desempeñan un papel importante en la estabilización de la columna vertebral, por lo que el fortalecimiento de estos músculos nos ayuda a mejorar el equilibrio, la postura y la movilidad general, reduciendo el riesgo de caídas y lesiones [4, 5].
Also, certain core exercises, like planks, are isometric exercises [5]. This means they don’t require any movement to perform, but rather are a contraction of muscles in a static position.
These have the added benefit of not requiring you to bend or flex your spine, like you do when you perform a crunch or a sit-up, helping keep pressure off your lower back and preventing injury in this area.
5 ejercicios de core que debes hacer
There is an infinite number of core exercises that you can do!
Here are 5 core exercises you can start with to help blast that belly away!
Remember that doing these exercises with the correct form is far more important than the number of reps you can perform. Lastly, listen to your body and if you feel any pain stop the exercise immediately.
Disclaimer: Consult your doctor or other medical professional before beginning any new exercise regime to see if it is appropriate for your needs. This site offers health, fitness and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with your doctor or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.. See the full disclaimer.
- Plank or Modified plank
- Side plank
- Ground toe touches
- Bird dog
- Glute bridge
1. Plank
Comienza apoyándote en las manos y las rodillas. Contrae los músculos abdominales y baja la parte superior del cuerpo sobre los antebrazos, alineando los hombros directamente sobre los codos. Apoya el peso de la parte inferior del cuerpo en las puntillas, con la espalda recta, haciendo que tu cuerpo se parezca a una “tabla” lo más que puedas.
Reps
Hold the position for 30 seconds, then rest for 15 seconds and repeat for a total of 2 sets.
Modifier
If the traditional plank is too challenging, you cn bring your knees to the floor. Just remember to keep the tension in your abs and not to arch your back.
2. Side plank
Recuéstate sobre tu lado izquierdo con las piernas rectas y los pies colocados uno encima del otro. Apoya el cuerpo en el antebrazo izquierdo, levantando las caderas del suelo hasta que tu espalda esté en línea recta. Contrae los músculos de los abdominales mientras lo haces. Mantén esta posición durante 30 segundos, luego cambia al otro lado y repite.
Reps
Hold the position for 30 seconds, then rest for 15 seconds and repeat for a total of 2 sets.
Modifier
You can do the same exercise with your knees on the floor, bent at a 90 degree angle.
3. Ground toe touches
Lying on your back, bring your legs up with your toes pointed out. Keep your knees soft and your legs slightly apart. Bending at the knee, lower your feet and touch the ground with your toes, then bring them back to the starting position.
Try to focus all of your attention on keeping your abdominal muscles tight to support this movement and make sure your lower back doesn’t lift off the mat.
Reps
Do two or three rounds of 30 seconds, with a 15 second break in between.
4. Bird dog
Start on all fours on the mat. Now extend your left arm out straight in front of you at the same time that you lift your right leg straight out behind you, then steadily bring them both back to the starting position and repeat with the other extremities.
Reps
Do 2 sets of 30 seconds each.
5. Glute bridge
Wait, isn’t this for your glutes? It certainly is, but when done correctly it is also a great core strengthener.
Recuéstate boca arriba en la esterilla con los pies apoyados en el piso. Al exhalar, levanta las caderas del suelo para formar un “puente”. Aprieta los glúteos.
Reps
Mantén esta posición durante 30 segundos, descansa 15 segundos y vuelve a realizarla.
¡Listo!
Empieza a incorporar estos ejercicios a tu rutina habitual o combínalos en un entrenamiento. Si estás empezando, intenta realizar estos ejercicios al menos dos veces por semana. ¡Empezarás a sentir y ver los beneficios en poco tiempo!
By:
Caty
Caty is a blogger and certified personal trainer. She loves designing workouts for different age groups.
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Disclaimer: Consult your doctor or other medical professional before beginning any new exercise regime to see if it is appropriate for your needs. This site offers health, fitness and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with your doctor or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. See the full disclaimer.