Core exercises are important but women over 40 are more prone to injury and these really don't provide the benefit we want without significant risk. Here's four core exercises to stop doing and what to do instead:
Crunches
Sit Ups
Leg lifts
V-Sit Rotation
Benefits of core exercise include:
reduced risk of back pain
increased ability to lift heavy and go faster
better posture
Trade those risky exercises for ones with more benefits and get better results. Got an exercise that you wonder about? Add it to comments.
(PS - I personally don't do crunches - even these modified - and haven't for decades)