Want to get rid of belly fat? You’re not alone, because that’s one of the most common fitness goals people have, especially among those who are moving towards their 60s. Unfortunately, shedding unwanted body fat is much harder work as you get older, and the normal effects of aging can be blamed: a lowered metabolism and the loss of lean muscle mass. These unwanted changes as you age are pretty darn frustrating. But don’t fret, because we have the ultimate cardio workout that will help you speed up belly fat loss, so listen up. And next, check out The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.
After 60, it’s still very doable to shed unwanted pounds. Not only will you be happier with your appearance, but it will also help you to participate more actively in more things. Once you recognize the changes your body goes through and why, achieving the weight you desire will be much easier to address.
Many people tend to get more sedentary as they age, so it makes it much more difficult to drop weight. This is why it’s so important to keep up an active, healthy lifestyle, starting as early as possible. If you build a good, solid fitness base and healthy habits, it’s more likely you will stay fit into your 60s and beyond.
Related: To Shrink Belly Fat, Avoid These Exercise Habits After 50
If you’re shaking your head and admitting that you haven’t been staying active or eating well, that’s a great step. It’s never too late to get into shape and lose the fat. What you need to do immediately is start focusing on eating a healthy diet, getting in regular aerobic activity, and strength training at least two times each week.
If you’re already doing these things regularly and are anxious to speed up belly fat loss, you can sprinkle in extra cardio on your non-training days. The cardio session should be done interval-style, since HIIT burns more calories and recruits your type II muscle fibers more than regular steady-state cardio.
Related: Shrink Belly Fat Faster In Your 40s With These Free Weight Exercises, Trainer Says
Here’s a sample cardio interval workout on an exercise bike you can add to your routine in order to speed up belly fat loss:
Go through a 5-minute warmup at a comfortable pace which you can maintain to drive blood into your legs and get the body ready. Once you’re all warmed up, get into the standing position, and crank up the resistance by 8 to 12. Sprint hard for 30 seconds as fast as you can, then bring the resistance down to 2 to 4, and cruise at that pace for 30 seconds. Aim for 6 to 10 rounds.
For more mind and body news, be sure to check out The 4 Most Effective Exercises To Shrink Your Waistline After 60 and The 5 Ugly Side Effects of Taking Melatonin Before Bed.
Tim Liu, C.S.C.S.
Tim Liu, CSCS, is an online fitness and nutrition coach based in Los Angeles
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