Easy Exercises to Flatten Your Stomach
Posted on Jul 07, 2009 under Flatten Stomach, Lifetime Fitness | No Comment
What is probably the most common problem that most people have with their bodies that they would love to solve? Yes indeed – belly fat. To flatten stomach areas is a much desired goal.
Excess fat, rather than being spread evenly throughout your body, tends to collect on your stomach making it unsightly and unhealthy. Together with changing your eating habits to a healthy diet, to lose belly fat you need also to adopt an abs workout routine.
How to lose belly fat exercises are readily available, but which of these are the most effective? Which are the best abs workout exercises to lose belly fat and flatten your stomach?
Some of the best exercises compiled by fitness experts that focus on reducing this problem are below. Before trying these out, it is wise to consult your physician to make sure that they are suitable for you. Remember also to do a warm up routine before actually starting the belly firming exercises.
One of the top exercises to help burn stomach fat is called the hip lift. Start by lying flat on your back with your arms by your sides, palms open and facing the ceiling. Raise your legs so that they form a 90 degree with your upper body. Do not bend your knees and keep your legs and feet as straight as possible. Now, gently, without strain, raise your hips from the floor a few inches before lowering back to the floor. This movement tends to cause the abdominal muscles to contract. Repeat the exercise over and over again until you have had enough.
Another stomach firming exercise is the long arm crunch. Lie down with your back on the floor and bend your knees whilst still keeping your feet flat on the ground. Slowly, lift your shoulders, head and arms simultaneously until they are at about 30 degrees to the floor. Hold this position for a short time without straining. You should feel your abdomen muscles contract. Repeat this routine 20 to 25 times. As your muscles become stronger, gradually build up the number of repeats.
Many, trying to flatten their tummy practice regular crunches. This exercise can cause you more discomfort rather than help you to lose belly fat because it tends to put a strain on your neck and back. Also, its effectiveness in toning your deeper abdominal muscles (called rectus abdominus) is not all that good.
A much better crunch exercise that you may not have heard of is the crunch less crunch. Start by kneeling or by lying on your stomach, whichever suits you best. Now, try and bring your belly button inwards towards your spine and hold it there for ten seconds or longer if you can. It is more effective if you can hold the contraction until you do not feel it anymore or feel that other muscles are contracting harder. Do not strain.
For a more advanced approach to flatten your stomach, Pilates could be an excellent workout you could try.
By combining an abs workout with a sensible weight loss diet, you could be on your way to losing belly fat and achieving a healthy body to be proud of.