As you get passed your early 20s, your body does not heal as quickly as it used to and you no longer have the ability to eat what you want and still remain lean.  By the time that you pass your athletic peak at age 30 (and out of the Mom and Dad hotel) training and recovery is even harder.  By 40, your habits and training do not quite match your 20's.

Now the good news:
You do not have to train like a 20 year old to get a flat stomach.

Three areas that are vastly different between a 20 year old and 40 year old training are the exercises, nutrition and behaviour.

The 20 year old usually has the time and energy to do a wide variety of exercises.  Just from shear volume of repetition, they get leaner, fitter, stronger and recover quickly. The 40 year old has less time, energy and room for mistakes.  There is less room for mistakes and even minor injuries mean longer delays for fitness training.

To get the biggest bang for their buck, the over 40 year old needs to focus on their posture and balance exercises as well as strength and stamina. You cannot be super strong and healthy with a sunken chest, slouched shoulders and protruding gut.  You might possess some “old man strength” for a short period of time, but your energy and endurance will be lacking.

This is why the older soldier or ballet dancer can still move with more grace and ease than the younger, but slouching individual.  

Try pulling your neck back into your collar, roll your shoulders back and squeeze your shoulder blades together.  You will note that your stomach naturally draws inward when your body is aligned. 

When your body is aligned, you feel and breathe better.  Your digestion improves and your energy increases.   You also carry your weight better, improving your movement and appearance.  Other exercises become easier. (Ah! There’s a concept.)

Now, nutrition for the 20 year old or teen is going to be different for the 40 year old.  For starters, the 40 year old cannot burn the fat like a teenager can.  The mature adult has less growth hormone than the teenager and will not build muscle or burn fat as effectively.  The older adult also has a life time of dietary abuse to overcome, so they have to eat smarter.  Having the maturity to realize this makes it easier.  Learn some effective strategies in the book: Stomach Flattening.

Along with eating fresh, natural foods, you can also use supplements such as:

• Multi-vitamins to improve metabolism, immunity, sleep, skin, hair and eye sight.
• Argenine to release growth hormone to build lean muscle and burn fat.
• Maca to boost your libido.
• Serra Peptidase to reduce inflammation.

Check out the 40+ Pack  

Good nutrition means feeling, working, playing and even sleeping better.  Who wants to haul around a half alive body, constantly tired and in pain?   Sure there are some “foods” that you think you “can’t live without.”  But, there are plenty of ways around these cravings as long as you are well-fed in the first place.

How do you overcome addictive cravings to stimulants like alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and even sugar?  Will power?  Group support?  The biochemical and behavioural approaches are time-tested and longer lasting than strictly therapy. 

Read: Reduce Your Alcohol Craving    

BEHAVIOUR

Any mature student who has attended university and college knows how quicker the younger students can learn.  But, in my own experience, a 40 plus student tends to be more focused and self-controlled than their younger counter-parts.  The middle aged learner can systematically learn new information and develop new habits.

We can show you how to deprogram the negative habits and re-program the positive habits by proven methods.  Best of all, you do not need therapy, drugs or a life-changing event like a heart attack. 

Behaviour changes make it easier to stick to your exercises and nutrition, which improves your will power to make further changes.  Check out the book: Stomach Flattening

Testimonials for Stomach Flattening:

"Valuable information. I enjoyed Doug's no-frills, get results approach. I highly recommend Stomach Flattening for fitness beginners or athletes who want stronger, slimmer midriffs." 
- Laurie Bell,  Boulder, CO. Female body building champion, author: Lose the Lies, Lose the Weight www.losethelieslosetheweight.com

"I loved the section on doing exercises at your desk, and I've begun to incorporate them when I'm at work. This is a real gem. Very highly recommended! 
- Alan Gettis, Ph.D., M.S.
Author of "The Happiness Solution: Finding Joy & Meaning In An Upside Down World" www.thehappinesssolution.com

“I lost almost 6 inches around my waist within 6 weeks.  Thank you, Doug.”
—Sandford Tuey, script writer

“I would not have come this far without Doug Setter’s positive influence.” 
-- Darcy Lentre, Women’s Golden Gloves Kick Boxer

“There used to be a straight line from my heels to my back.  Now, I actually have a butt.  Thanks, Doug.”
–Darlene, Grandmother.

“Those breathing exercises alone, really hardened my gut.”—John Stewart, Vancouver Police Department