If you are like me you know what I’m talking when I say that I’m at the age when the battle of the bulge has become a daily challenge. No wonder there is a whole class of products marketed directly at persons who want to defeat this problem. There are books on flat belly, diets for flat belly, belts/clothing for flat belly, exercises and exercise equipment for flat belly; I mean you name it and its out there, all aimed in some way to deliver the enviable flat belly. Now I mentioned at the opening that the goal is to defeat the middle age bulge, but even before we reach the challenges of middle age we strenuously push to get and keep the ever impressive six-pack. I guess the lesson here is that the market always finds a way to win.

Let me get back to the middle age bulge. Dr. Oz recognizes the humongous opportunity this problem presents and has designed an entire system that includes, among other things, diet and exercise to solve this problem. I was curious about the exercise routine he recommends because it does not include sit-ups. Instead, 10 – 20 reps of the following exercises are recommended:

1. The Leg Kick: Simply stand erect with your arms stretched out in front of you then lower your arms as you lift one of your legs up and out. Do this at least 10 times for each leg. (Try to develop a good steady rhythm.)

2. Knee Lifts: Clasp your hands behind your head as you stand at ease. Bend your head slightly as you lower your elbow; lift your knee up at the same time until it touches your elbow. (Right knee to right elbow; left knee to left elbow.) Do at least 10 reps for each knee.

3. Twist and Squat: Stand with your feet apart and hold your arms up perpendicular to the floor as if you were lifting barbells. Twist your body to one side and as you twist lower your knees to a squat then gradually lift your body up as you release the twist and relax. Start off with 10 of these to one side then 10 to the next.

In a nut shell, these are the exercises Dr. Oz recommends to conquer the battle of the bulge. Now, I’m not sure whether these exercises are effective outside the sanctity of Dr. Oz’s entire program but it is curious that the traditional belly busting exercises are not included. Should these exercises work as promised this would indeed be a major breakthrough in the fight against the bulge. It is not clear whether this change in our bodies is due to inactivity or signs of underlying illnesses like hypertension and diabetes, but any treatment that can effectively remedy this condition would be welcomed by everyone.