• Denise Austin, 67, shared an exercise to target “menopausal belly.”
• The fitness pro demonstrated a core exercise to address the “stubborn” area.
• She explained that the standing move targets the “entire core.”

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Losing weight after menopause can be difficult, especially losing belly fat. Luckily, fitness pro Denise Austin is here to help. Austin has shared her top menopause tips in the past and is now demonstrating one of her favorite menopause exercises for toning abs and targeting “menopausal belly.”

“I know how tough that stubborn menopause belly can be, I’ve been through it and still [am] trying my best to stay fit and healthy!!! Core muscles are so important to keep strong…I just want to encourage you to try and be consistent! That is key to feeling better…just keep moving,” Austin captioned her video. “Here’s a Menopause ab exercise that’s simple but effective!! Plus, it’s easy and it’s a standing exercise that works your entire core—abs, obliques, back, and shoulders! Stand up and try with me today! Engage those abs!!!! It’s also great for circulation too!!!! Love you girls…we are all in this together!!!!! Xoxo”

In the video, Austin explains that the standing move is called a “wood chop.” To begin, she stands with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart before bending her right knee towards the ground, clasping her hands out in front of her, and reaching them towards her front foot, both knees forming 90-degree angles. Then, she stands up, reaching her arms overhead on the opposite side of her body. “Tighten up those abs. Push down and reach up!” she explains. “Drive through your heel to your hip. Do this 30 times on each side.”

While Austin performs this move without equipment, we bet you could easily amplify the exercise by holding a single hand weight to add even more strength training.

Austin’s followers loved the simple, informative video. “So right Denise—as you always say, use it or lose it👏” one fan commented. “Omg yes…menopause belly. I never thought I’d hit that so young. So important to talk about 💕” another added.

But what is a “menopausal belly,” anyway? Many women going through menopause experience a shift in hormones causing belly fat, also known as “hormonal belly.” Many hormones can do this, but for women in menopause, estrogen is often the culprit. The body experiences a decline in estrogen with the onset of menopause which can “create a shift in body composition which favors fat distribution towards the center of the body, around the abdomen,” Krista Gonzales, M.D., endocrinologist and educator at Pritikin Longevity Center previously told Prevention.

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No matter the cause of your belly fat, it’s important to note that you can’t pick and choose where you lose weight on your body. A balanced approach including cardio, nutritious eating habits, and weight training can all help you lose weight overall. Adding effective core exercises (like this one from Austin) can help tone a targeted area.

If you’re looking for more of Austin’s top cardio and core moves, check out our favorites below.

Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor’s degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.

Hundreds found a way to combat a chilly, overcast morning Saturday by warming up with some exercise at the 2024 Health and Fitness Expo at Edmonds School District Stadium. Most parents cheered from the sidelines but a few joined their kids during the MOVE 60! Fun Run or tried out the challenges at exercise booths. The event, organized by the Edmonds Parks and Recreation Department and the Edmonds School District, was operated by many volunteers.

— Photos by Jasmine Contreras-Lewis

The pandemic had a severe impact on us. People around the world realised how important it is to keep ourselves fit and healthy. One such habit is working out regularly. That being said, not everyone can afford a gym membership or manage their time to join a gym. This is why many people prefer working out at home which is both flexible and cheaper compared to signing up for a gym membership. There are a number of home workouts that can improve your overall health. One such exercise is Step Aerobics. In this exercise you have to step up and down on a stationary board called an exercise stepper until you hit muscle fatigue.
Step aerobics can help you with fat loss, cardiovascular health and stronger joints. To perform these exercises at home, you just need to buy an exercise stepper. However, it might be a challenging task to pick the best exercise stepper among so many options available. To help you out, in this article, we have curated an exclusive list of the best exercise steppers for leg workouts.

Let’s delve into the product description of each step up board individually and discuss their key features and product quality. Bring home the product that suits your budget and preferences, and take a step towards a healthier life.
You are a “stepper” away from achieving your fitness goals!

The Cube Club 2 Level Adjustable Stepper

Get this stepper that will help you boost your cardiovascular fitness and build strong legs. This stepper made by Vecino Fitness Pvt Ltd is plastic and weighs 2.76 kilograms. The height of the stepper is adjustable from 4-6 inches. The adjustable step-up board can support a maximum weight up to 200 kilograms. This exercise stepper has a surface designed to absorb shock and prevent slipping, making it a safe option for physical activities.
KEY FEATURES:

User Feedback: Customers like the quality, value, and versatility of the exercise step platform, while some complain about the adjustability, finish, and grip.

Strauss High Rise Aerobic Exercise Stepper

For those seeking a higher elevated aerobic stepper for more intense workouts for leg and thigh muscles, this is the ultimate product to bring home. The stepper was designed with a variable height of 6 to 8 inches to allow for demanding cardio exercises. Moreover, because the exercise stepper is made from durable polypropylene material, it can hold up to 440 lbs or 200 kilograms. Therefore, the sturdy stepping board weighs 3.3 kilograms, which is evenly distributed, giving the impression of being lightweight and portable. This stepper has a non-stick, non-slip surface for a comfortable and safe experience.
KEY FEATURES:

User Feedback: The quality and value of the exercise step platform is remarkable. It’s sturdy, the quality of plastic is satisfactory, and it’ll last for years.

Wearslim Professional 2 Level Adjustable Aerobic Exercise Stepper

This durable, robust exercise stepper is a value-for-money product by the Wearslim brand. This stepper is designed to be shock-absorbent, non-sticky, scratch-proof, and slip-resistant. You can adjust the platform height of this exercise stepper between 4 to 6 inches. You can also tilt the stepper. Polyvinyl Chloride and Polypropylene are used in the construction of this stepper. This equipment weighs 2.7 kilograms and can support up to 200 kilograms, or 440 lbs.
KEY FEATURES:

User Feedback: It is a value-for-money product, reliable, solid and has an excellent overall grip.

Lifelong 3-in-1 Stepper for Exercise at Home

Self-Balancing Ball, Push-Up Handle Bars, and Anti-Skid Aerobic Stepper; this product serves as all three. Target multiple sets of muscle groups with this exercise stepper. Use the stepper for push-ups, step-ups, and balance exercises. This exercise stepper will target leg muscles, thigh muscles, chest muscles, and core muscles. This compact exercise stepper, made of Polypropylene, weighs merely 2.4 kilograms and can support a maximum weight of 200 kilograms. This stepper features a surface that is textured to prevent slipping and has anti-skid feet. These textures will keep your feet in place and prevent slips and accidents. Cleaning is also straightforward; use mild soap or dust-clean with a dry cloth. It is also sweat-resistant.
KEY FEATURES:

User Feedback: Customers like the quality, appearance, and versatility of the exercise stepper. It is sturdy, looks good, and serves its purpose.

Abb Initio Gym Stepper | 3-in-1 Fitness Step Platform for Home Gym Exercise

Get the most out of your workout by using this one of the best step-up boards that can also function as a self-balancing ball and push-up handlebar. The high-quality polypropylene material in this anti-skid step-up board guarantees prolonged durability for regular usage. With this equipment, you can perform full-body exercises and increase the amount of muscle mass. You can perform exercises like pushovers, squats, lunges, and step-ups. It can support up to 200 kilograms of weight and weighs 2.5 kilograms. Its non-slip surface improves exercise safety and stability.
KEY FEATURES:

User Feedback: The product is suitable for home exercise, valuable for stepped workouts, and worth the price. The opinions are mixed on slip resistance.

XTRIM Aerobic Exercise Stepper for Cardio Workout Gym Stepper

Are you looking for the best exercise stepper to support heavier weights with stability and balance? This is the product you must lock your eyes on. This board can support a weight of 250 kilograms. This stepper has non-slip rubber pads on the legs and a slip-resistant platform for improved stability and balance during exercise. The exercise stepper can be set to two different heights: 10 cm and 15 cm. The Polypropylene material used in this stepper guarantees a high-quality board and a robust, strong platform for stepping up. The equipment is sweat-resistant with square groove patterns, and most importantly, it is compact and easily portable.
KEY FEATURES:

User Review: It is the best exercise stepper for leg workouts, with long-lasting material and enhanced stability.

Lifelong Step Platform Aerobic Stepper Bench with Screw-Free Design Skipping Rope

With this non-stick, non-slip and shock-absorbing exercise stepper, you get a 2.75 m long adjustable PVC skipping rope for absolutely free. The exercise stepper has an adjustable height riser for up to 15 cm of maximum height. The product comes with rubber feet and a textured surface for additional grip and safety during the exercise. In addition, the brand guarantees a 6-month warranty for any production flaws in the item. The stepper is constructed from durable polypropylene material weights of approximately 3.90 kilograms. This device can handle up to 200 kilograms of weight. Considering all the specifications and offers, this deal becomes value for money.
KEY FEATURES:
Dimensions- ‎75.5 x 29.5 x 20 Centimetres
2.75 m PVC skipping rope FREE
6-months warranty
Non-stick, non-slip, and shock absorbent with rubber feet
Weighs 3.90 kilograms
Supports 440 lbs
User Feedback: The product is value for money and meets the expectations.

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DISCLAIMER: At TOI, we keep you informed about the newest trends and products. The products listed have been well studied and researched, and are also in line with customer ratings. TOI is part of an affiliate partnership, meaning we may receive a portion of the revenue from your purchases. The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change, as per retailers’ deals