The elusive toned lower tummy – such a challenge to achieve as you age. Here’s why: Changes in your hormones encourage extra calories to make a beeline for your belly, where they’re then stored as fat.

In fact, a study from the University of Vermont tested 178 women ages 20-60, each within a healthy weight range. Results showed that the oldest participant had 55% more belly fat than the youngest!

But as you know by now, extra flab around your midsection can be banished, and a Pilates tummy-tightening routine can help.

Pilates is a secret weapon when it comes to that stubborn lower belly pooch, because it  effectively works your entire “powerhouse” – all of your core muscles (some of which are often missed in traditional ab workouts).

Pilates is a unique physical discipline that doesn’t just tone your muscles, it actually changes the way you use your body. It helps improve strength, coordination, circulation, flexibility, and posture.

Although it’s grown in popularity over recent years, Pilates actually got its start in 1912 when Joseph Pilates created the method to help injured World War I soldiers. Pilates rigged springs into hospital beds, which enabled the bedridden patients to exercise with resistance. Pilates taught soldiers a system of focused and concentrated movements that allowed them to build strength and stamina.

Here are 3 reasons Pilates is a part of my regular fitness routine:

Pilates Helps Develop Core Strength
We all want a flat belly, but the strong core that comes from a Pilates practice provides additional benefits in addition to toned abs. Pilates strengthens the back and abs by focusing on what is called a “powerhouse.” In Pilates, you learn how to work the powerhouse, through concepts like knitting your ribcage together, engaging the lower belly, and lengthening the spine.

After practicing Pilates, these powerhouse tips become the foundation for your daily routine which will create the best posture of your life. Powerhouse moves can help increase the strength of your entire set of core muscles (the muscles that run from your ribcage to your hips, on both the front and back and sides of your body). Engaging these ab and back muscles is important if you want to prevent injuries and perfect your posture.

Pilates Increases Your Sense of Awareness and Body Control
Pilates re-trains your body so in your day-to-day motions, you have less risk of injury and more efficient patterns of motion. Very soon after you begin practicing Pilates you’ll notice a difference in your posture while you’re walking, sitting or standing. You’ll also notice that little aches and pains are alleviated. Even better, your new core strength will prevent other aches and pains from developing!

Pilates is the cornerstone of so many other exercise disciplines and life activities, from swinging a tennis racquet or a golf club to strength training workouts or yoga. The new way of body control you learn through Pilates becomes the foundation of all other movements.

Pilates is Both Gentle And Challenging
Pilates is so safe that it’s used in physical therapy facilities and rehabilitation centers. Modifications allow for a range of difficulty from beginners to advanced. In fact, the better you get at Pilates, the more challenging the exercises become. Although it’s gentle, Pilates requires an attention that changes your awareness. You become very conscious of how your body works as you focus on the dynamics of each movement, leading to better results.

Pilates is a form of exercise that really connects you to the wonder of your own body and as you progress, you naturally begin to want only the best for it.

Flat Abs Over 40 Includes…

30-Day Printable Workout Calendar
By using the digital workout calendar, you eliminate confusion about which workout to do that day. Each workout is specified, so there’s no guesswork on your part. And, it’s designed to sculpt and define your abs in record time!

Tummy Trimmers:
Five 10-minute segments to tone, trim, and tighten your abs like never before! Includes a variety of movements from dance-style standing abs, functional moves to target the deepest abdominal muscles, boot camp circuits to rediscover the power of your abs, and pilates moves to strengthen and lengthen your torso to perfect posture and trim inches. (50 minute DVD)

Fat Burning Pilates For Abs:
Flatten your abs by applying basic Pilates movements designed to focus on your core muscles while lengthening and stabilizing your spine. Improve your strength and posture to develop the tall, graceful bearing of a dancer. Also includes two BONUS workouts — Pilates for Lower Body and my top-selling cardio workout, Fat Burning Breakthrough, for ultimate-fat burning. (115 minute DVD)

Ultimate Sculpt:
Super-shrink fat with interval training that alternates between total-body moves and core-conditioning exercises. This incredibly powerful method of conditioning is one of the most effective ways to tone your body. Ultimate Sculpt is based on functional training, where you work your entire body as a unit for faster results. (60 minute DVD)

Total Body Turnaround:
Reset your body with three 20-minute balance, circuit and energy workouts. The circuit segment trims and firms, ramping up your calorie burn and attacking your trouble spots. Next, you’ll hone your balance to help you continue doing the activities you love. Finally, refresh and recharge with the total-energy segment to wake up you body and de-stress your life. (60 minute DVD)