Belly fat, scientifically known as visceral fat, is the fat that accumulates around the abdomen and internal organs. It is considered more detrimental to health than subcutaneous fat, which is stored just beneath the skin, as it can heighten the risk of various health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. While exercise alone may not directly target belly fat, it plays a role in overall weight loss and can aid in its reduction when combined with a nutritious diet. Here are seven effective exercises for reducing belly fat:
- Jumping Jacks: Start with your feet together and arms at your sides. Jump your feet out to the sides while simultaneously raising your arms overhead. Repeat this motion quickly for 1-2 minutes. Jumping jacks elevate your heart rate, burning calories and aiding in overall body fat reduction, including belly fat.
- Mountain Climbers: Begin in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders. Alternately bring your knees towards your chest, simulating a running motion. Perform this exercise as swiftly as possible for 1-2 minutes. Mountain climbers engage various muscle groups, including the core, and elevate the heart rate, contributing to belly fat reduction.
- Bicycle Crunches: Lie on your back with your knees bent and hands gently supporting your head. Lift your feet off the ground and pedal your legs in a bicycle motion while bringing your opposite elbow towards the opposite knee. Continue this exercise for 1-2 minutes. Bicycle crunches target the rectus abdominis and obliques, enhancing core strength and calorie expenditure.
- High Knees: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and jog in place while lifting your knees as high as possible towards your chest. Keep this up for 1-2 minutes. High knees raise the heart rate and engage the core muscles, facilitating effective belly fat burning.
- Plank: Start by placing your forearms on the ground with your elbows aligned under your shoulders. Extend your legs behind you, resting on your toes, and maintain a straight line from your head to your heels while engaging your core muscles. Hold this position for as long as possible, aiming for at least 1 minute. Planks strengthen the core, including the deep transverse abdominis muscle, promoting a toned and flattened belly.
- Russian Twists: Sit on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lean back slightly while keeping your back straight. Clasp your hands together and twist your torso from side to side, touching the ground on each side. Perform this exercise for 1-2 minutes. Russian twists target the obliques, improving core stability and burning belly fat.
- Burpees: Begin in a standing position, then swiftly drop into a squat with your hands touching the ground. Kick your feet back into a push-up position, complete a push-up, then return your feet to the squat position. Finally, explosively jump off the ground with your arms extended overhead. Repeat this exercise rapidly for 1-2 minutes. Burpees provide a comprehensive workout, engaging multiple muscle groups and elevating the heart rate, resulting in effective calorie and belly fat reduction.
Remember to gradually increase the intensity and duration of these exercises over time and consult a healthcare professional before initiating any new exercise regimen. Additionally, incorporating a balanced diet and adopting other healthy lifestyle practices will further contribute to reducing belly fat.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Sandiego Currents journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.