Belly Fat Be Gone!

(from the Ultimate Stomach and Thighs workout in my Strong, Sleek and Slim DVD)

Last weekend, some of my friends and I stopped for brunch after yoga. While we were enjoying the meal, one of them asked, “Is the belly pooch a given after 50?” I told her it’s common for women to gain belly fat as they approach menopause, but it’s not inevitable!

I went through my belly fat checklist…

Are you scheduling enough cardio and high intensity interval training (HIIT) to burn off fat?

Are you overdoing starchy carbs or sugar?

Are you including probiotics in your meals?

Are you practicing yoga or meditation to combat stress?

Are you doing regular strength training?

She admitted that strength training was her weak point. Ah… a break in the case! Twice weekly strength training sessions are a must for every adult as a way to maintain good health and prevent a host of diseases. Your muscles – especially your core – need regular training to stay toned. And remember, strength training doesn’t have to mean dumbbells. In fact, you can even use your own body weight with moves as simple as planks or kayaks.

Even it you’re not avoiding strength training for your abs, it’s a good idea to get back to basics once every three month to refresh your knowledge of the fundamentals of proper exercise form. And, my Ultimate Stomach and Thighs video progresses you through core exercises to develop proper technique for flat abs.

When I developed the Ultimate Stomach and Thighs video in 1989, my daughter Kate had recently been born, so re-engaging my abs after pregnancy was at the top of my mind. The retro look of the video is a fun trip down memory lane, but it amazes me how some things never change. Belly fat is still the top trouble-zone for women. So today, don’t miss the classic 2-minute clip above to get back to basics and tone your lower belly.

 

 Ultimate Stomach & Thighs (1989) –  This 3-phased routine starts out at a comfortable pace building to more challenging intermediate and high-intensity workouts …perfect for all fitness levels. (On The Strong, Sleek, and Slim DVD)

 Weight Loss Workout (1990)– Proven aerobic and weight training techniques provide a unique and effective fat burning system combined with a nutrition plan to help you meet weight loss goals. (On The Strong, Sleek, and Slim DVD)

 Ultimate Video Workout (1984) – Get started with this charged aerobic and strength-training workout designed to burn calories, improve cardio-vascular health and stamina. (On The Strong, Sleek, and Slim DVD)

 Body Basics (1985) –  This all-time favorite workout lays the foundation with low-impact cardio moves that will give you results, without putting stress on your bones and joints. Simple muscle toning exercises that target your abs, legs, and buns, will help you increase lean muscle mass for maximum calorie burning throughout the day. (On The Fat Burning Classics DVD)

  Winning Workout (1987) – The title says it all! This 12-week weight loss program is your introduction to the world of body sculpting. Week by week, you’ll progress with this program to accelerate your metabolism, increase bone density and improve your posture! (On The Fat Burning Classics DVD)

   Fat Burning Workout (1988) – Get in the fat-burning zone with three energizing routines, based on Kathy’s long-slow fat burning principle. Maximize your results inch by inch in Kathy’s Body Shaping segment and really zoom in and sculpt all the major muscle groups. It’s upbeat, energizing and effective. Get ready to peel away the pounds! (On The Fat Burning Classics DVD)

 Instant Workout (1991) These three 20-min workouts that boost your metabolism, to help you shed excess fat. (On the Shed The Pounds DVD)

 Starting Out (1987) This aerobic routine includes a series of low-impact moves and teaches you how to monitor your pulse for maximum results. (On the Shed The Pounds DVD)

 March To Fitness (1993) This 30-minute low-impact aerobic workout is accompanied by a fun, high-energy soundtrack. (On the Shed The Pounds DVD)

 Functionally Fit Peak Fat Burning (1996) -This fan-favorite workout begins with a 6-minute warm-up that leads into a 25-minute interval training workout for all levels (easy, medium and hard). The extended 7-minute cool-down and stretch are the perfect capper to this challenging routine. The workout will engage more muscle fibers and burn more calories! As a bonus, you’ll heat up your metabolism for hours after your workout! (On the Super Slimdown Circuit DVD)

 Secrets Of A Great Upper Body (1993) – Define your arms, chest! A brisk 5-minute warm-up gets you ready for the 28-minute main event: a total upper body toning workout! A 5-minute stretch winds things down and guides you into your day. (On the Super Slimdown Circuit DVD)

  Secrets Of A Great Lower Body (1993) – Tone your glutes, firm your thighs, and burn fat all day long with these powerful lower-body strength training workouts. (On the Super Slimdown Circuit DVD)