7 Exercises to Help You Lose Belly Fat

Whether you’re looking to lose belly fat or want to shed some pounds, adding more activity to your daily routine is always a good idea. If you’re looking to lose belly fat specifically, though, it can help to include these nine exercises in your routine as well! Not only will these exercises give you the body you’ve been looking for, but they’ll also boost your health in the process. Plus, even if you’re not trying to lose belly fat specifically, these exercises are still great choices if you want to improve your overall fitness level!

1) The Plank
The plank is one of the best exercises to lose belly fat. It not only helps you lose weight, but strengthens your core muscles as well.
To do the plank, start in a push-up position with your arms fully extended and your hands aligned below your shoulders. Now bend at the elbows and slowly lower yourself until your body forms a straight line from head to toe. Next, hold the position for as long as you can without feeling any pain in your back or arms. If you have trouble holding the plank, try using some yoga blocks so that your forearms are on an elevated surface.

If you need an extra challenge try adding some hip dips while maintaining good posture and alignment. For this exercise take your feet off of the ground by bringing them forward towards your toes; then raise them up while twisting at the hips to both sides. Repeat this action three times on each side before going back into the basic plank position again.

2) Lunges
Lunges are one of the best exercises for your abs and they can be done with or without weights. To do a lunge, stand tall with your feet together and take a long step forward with one leg. Bend both knees so that both legs form 90-degree angles. Push up through the heel of your back foot and stretch out through the front leg, making sure not to let either knee go past your toes. Pause at the bottom of your lunge before stepping back into a standing position. Do 10 lunges on each side.

3) Bench Step Ups
This exercise is similar to a bench step up but is performed while standing. Start by holding a dumbbell in each hand and then step up onto the bench with one foot, pulling the dumbbell up with you as you go. Step back down and repeat this movement on the other side. This exercise works out your hamstrings, quads, core muscles and glutes. It also strengthens your knees and ankles so it’s an all-around great exercise for losing weight.

4) Front Raises
Front Raises are a great way to work on your chest and arms. To do this exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold weights in front of your chest. Raise the weights straight up until they reach eye level, then lower them back down. Repeat 10 times or as desired. These can be done standing or sitting down on an exercise ball for added difficulty.

5) Knee Tucks
Knee tucks are a great exercise for toning your abdominals and back. Start by lying on your back with your arms at your side and legs straight out in front of you. Tuck one knee up towards your chest, then switch sides so that the other knee is up. Next, lower both knees down to the floor. Do this as many times as possible without stopping. If your body starts shaking or you start feeling dizzy, it means that you’ve done too much and should take a break before continuing.

6) Side Trunk Twists
This exercise is perfect for targeting the oblique muscles on the sides of your waist. It not only helps you lose belly fat, but also strengthens your core and improves your posture. To do this exercise, lie down on one side with your feet stacked on top of each other. Place a small cushion or towel under the elbow that is closest to the ground. Now, prop yourself up onto your elbow and twist as far as you can in that direction without straining any part of your back. Repeat on both sides. Do 10-12 reps, 3-5 sets per day.

7) Crunches With A Twist
A great exercise for your abs is the crunches with a twist. This exercise utilizes both your abdominals and obliques, which are those muscles that go from side-to-side along your torso. To do this exercise, lay on your back with knees bent at a 90 degree angle and feet flat on the ground. Then raise your arms over your head so they're perpendicular to the ground. Once you have them in place, bend your right knee and bring it toward your left shoulder as far as you can without lifting off the ground. Hold for two seconds and then switch legs by bringing the left knee toward your right shoulder. Complete 10 repetitions before switching sides again.

The number one secret to burning fat effectively has been revealed!