Stomach exercises for people over 60 can keep you healthy and active. Exercise is imperative, according to the National Institute on Aging. Stomach exercises help strengthen the core muscles that maintain your postural integrity, or good posture. Good posture helps prevent falling, a common ailment among those over 60. Doing the exercises consistently will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Standing Chair
Strengthen your abdominal muscles by doing a chair stand, according to the National Institute on Aging. This exercise can increase the ease of getting in and out of both cars and chairs. Find a sturdy chair without arms. Sit upright in the chair by placing your body toward the front of the chair. Place your feet firmly on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Cross your arms over your chest. Slowly move your upper body back. Keep both your shoulders and back straight. Slowly breathe in. Exhale, and slowly move your upper body into a sitting upright position. Uncross your arms. Breathe normally. Extend your arms in front of your body until they are parallel with the floor. Slowly and gently stand up for 30 seconds. Inhale and slowly return to the original sitting position. Repeat this exercise 15 times. If you have back problems, start this exercise sitting upright instead of leaning back.
Walking
Walking can help tone your stomach muscles and decrease your abdominal fat, according to the American Heart Association. Classified as an endurance activity by the National Institute on Aging, walking provides an all-body workout that can be done by most levels of fitness. Walking at a moderately brisk rate will not only help your stomach muscles, but also increase your heart strength and blood circulation, increase your bone strength, improve your mental outlook, provide tension relief, increase your energy level and help with your weight management. Burn more calories by increasing your walking rate. If you are beginning, start walking for five minutes at a time. Gradually increase your time as you become stronger. Have a goal of reaching 30 minutes on at least three to five days of the week. Walk up and down your city block to tone your stomach. Walk your dog more often. If the weather is inclement, walk inside a shopping mall. Use correct posture to prevent injury.
Stomach Isometrics
Isometrics can help tone your stomach muscles. Lay flat on your back on a firm surface, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Place your hands onto your stomach just below your ribs. Tighten your stomach muscles. As you tighten your stomach muscles, you will see and feel your hand moving toward your spine. Hold the contraction for six seconds. Release the tension. Relax five seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. To make certain you are performing this exercise properly, practice by raising your head or coughing. Feel your stomach muscles tighten. Isometrics will tighten the same muscles.
