Can’t seem to achieve the flat belly you’re aiming for? Getting rid of stubborn lower belly fat can be a frustrating journey for many. While diet plays a crucial role in weight loss, exercise is equally important to tone and strengthen the abdominal muscles. Targeted exercises may help you achieve a flatter stomach by engaging the core muscles and burning calories.
Luckily, Athina Fit, a popular fitness trainer on TikTok, recently shared four effective exercises that can help you shed that stubborn belly fat and achieve a toned midsection. According to her, heel taps, flutter kicks, leg raises, and starfish crunches are “the only 4 exercises you need to get rid of that stubborn belly pouch.” Learn more about each of these effective methods below.
1. Heel Taps: 20×3
Heel taps are a fantastic exercise for targeting the lower abs and obliques. This movement involves lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. By tapping your heels alternately while keeping your core engaged, you work the lower abdominal muscles effectively. Heel taps help in strengthening the core, improving stability, and burning fat in the lower belly area.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Place your arms by your sides with palms facing down.
- Lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the floor.
- Tap your right heel with your right hand, then return to the starting position.
- Repeat on the left side.
- Perform 20 repetitions on each side, completing 3 sets.
2. Flutter Kicks: 20×3
Flutter kicks are excellent for engaging the entire core, particularly the lower abdominal muscles. This exercise not only helps in toning the lower belly but also increases your heart rate, contributing to overall fat loss. Flutter kicks require a continuous kicking motion, which keeps the abdominal muscles under tension and helps in sculpting a flatter stomach.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back with your legs extended and hands placed underneath your hips.
- Lift your legs off the ground slightly.
- Perform a kicking motion with your legs, keeping them straight and alternating up and down.
- Ensure your lower back remains pressed into the floor.
- Perform 20 kicks per set, completing 3 sets.
3. Leg Raises: 12×3
Leg raises are a powerful exercise to target the lower abs and hip flexors. This movement requires you to lift your legs towards the ceiling while keeping your core tight, making it highly effective for burning lower belly fat. Leg raises not only help in toning the lower abdomen but also improve flexibility and strength in the hip area.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back with your legs extended and hands placed under your hips for support.
- Keep your legs straight and lift them towards the ceiling until your buttocks come off the floor.
- Slowly lower your legs back down without letting them touch the ground.
- Perform 12 repetitions per set, completing 3 sets.
4. Starfish Crunches: 20×3
Starfish crunches are a dynamic exercise that targets both the upper and lower abs, along with the obliques. This movement involves a wide stance with your arms and legs extended, mimicking a starfish. By crunching towards the opposite hand and foot, you engage multiple muscle groups, making it an efficient exercise for burning belly fat and sculpting the waistline.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back with your arms and legs spread out wide, forming an ‘X’ shape.
- Lift your right arm and left leg towards each other, crunching in the middle.
- Return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite arm and leg.
- Perform 20 repetitions per side, completing 3 sets.
Bottom line
Ultimately, it's important to remember that exercise isn't the end-all-be-all of weight loss, and finding a routine that works for you is crucial. However, incorporating these four exercises into your workout routine could significantly help in reducing the lower belly pouch and achieving a toned midsection. Consistency is key, along with a balanced diet and regular cardio exercise, to see the best results. Remember, while targeted exercises can help in toning specific areas, overall fat loss is essential for a flatter stomach. Stay committed to your fitness journey, and you’ll be on your way to a stronger, leaner core.
