Weight problems,lack of muscle tone and rounded stomachs are common place as we get older. What is worse, is that even the best abdominal exercises sometimes don't help and we are tempted to put it all down to just getting older.

If you have lost some weight but can't get rid of the tummy or you have back pain and feel quite tired all the time, weak core muscles could be the cause.

Believe it or not there is an effective abdominal exercise to

• flatten your stomach
• rediscover your waistline
• strengthen your back
• improve your posture and
• improve balance and stamina

The secret is to work on your core muscles to  make them stronger!
Anyone can do this at any age but first we need to look at what core muscles are.

Like a tree, your core is the trunk and your arms and legs the branches.
If your core is strong your stomach will be flatter, your posture better, you look 10 pounds lighter and your back ache may disappear!

To test how strong your core is at the moment try this little test.

Place an exercise mat on the floor and get down on all fours. Stretch your legs out behind you and rest your weight on your fore-arms with your hands clasped in front of you. Raise your legs and body up into a straight line from head to heels. With your weight on your toes and fore-arms and engaging your core muscles, hold the position for as long as you can. 30 seconds is quite good and a minute is better.

This exercise is called The Plank and works multiple muscles at the same time to strengthen your back, shoulders, arms, quads and abdominal muscles. It is also one of the best abdominal exercises because it improves posture too. Bad posture is one of the main reasons why even slim people have rounded stomachs. Good posture means the core muscles can better support your inner organs, it also improves digestion, circulation and breathing. Your pelvic area gets a work out too, lowering the risk of incontinence, something we all worry about.

This hugely effective exercise can also be performed on your side. Rest your weight on the side of one foot and one fore-arm and raise your body up into a straight line or plank looking to one side. Make sure your body is straight from head to feet and don't allow your body to sag. Keep your core muscles engaged.  

Anyone with a health problem or pain should first consult a doctor before performing these exercises. My advice is to take things slowly, build your strength gradually and afer a few weeks you will begin to reap your reward. This is one of the best abdominal exercises I know with the added benefit of strengthening the whole core leaving you feeling slimmer, stronger and more energetic!