The quest for toned, taut female abs is a common one among many women. It is more challenging with age because the female anatomy is predetermined by nature to store more body fat as she ages. This is a frustration for women who are fighting for female six pack abs because this achievement is rare, especially for women past their twenties. Do not despair; it is not impossible. Women, even in their sixties, with proper diet and appropriate exercise, have been able to maintain a toned belly, and even the six pack.

Nutrition

Your weight is determined by the number of calories you ingest, compared tot he number of calories you burn. A healthy weight is one ingredient in overall fitness, and toned female abs are contingent on a healthy weight. Any calories, or units of energy, not burned become fat. Obviously, you need a certain number of calories each day in order to have the energy to take care of your body. Nutritionists often suggest that a diet that consists of five or six small meals each day is advantageous because more frequent eating boosts the metabolism.

A Beneficial Workout

In the case of working the abdominal muscle groups, more is not better. There is an almost obsessive tendency of those working toward flat or six pack abs to do 50, 100, or more reps every day to tone the abdominal muscles. However, this will get you no closer to your goal. Female abs will respond much better to a well rounded workout, including abdominal crunches and obliques, done slowly and with the same number of reps you would use for any other muscle group. Also necessary is aerobic exercise that increases the heart rate and improves overall body and cardiovascular health.

Your Abs and Your Self Image

Achieving female six pack abs is a rare accomplishment, especially for women over thirty. Heredity, cellulite, and body fat all play a role. However, even if you never achieve that six pack, you can still flatten and tone your abs, making you look and feel great. Healthy, toned abdominal muscles are important because they decrease back pain, strengthen your back and torso, and improve your posture.

How to Work Your Abs

Three great exercises for working toward female six pack abs include the reverse crunch, bicycle crunch, and the Captain's Chair. For the reverse crunch, lie on your back, and slowly bring your knees to your rib cage, and exhaling, slowly release them again. The bicycle crunch is done by lying on your back with your hands behind your head, then slowly bicycling your legs, meeting each knee with the opposite elbow. A captain's chair is done by supporting your body with your elbows, and lifting your legs into a sitting position, then releasing them. Slow reps, done two to three times per week, are ideal.