Lynch Ford Chevrolet

Lynch Ford Chevrolet

Main 319-895-8500 | Service 866-684-4594 | 410 Business 30 SW, Mt Vernon, IA 52314

Top 5 Exercises to Strengthen Your Core and Reduce Belly Fat

When it comes to choosing fitness goals, many health-minded people put building core strength and burning belly fat at the top of the list. A lean, toned core looks good and feels good. It also gives you a strong base to stay healthy in a range of activities.

To reduce belly fat and strengthen your core, your exercise routine should focus on burning calories with plenty of cardio. You can also target this key area with the following exercises.

Plank Push-ups

If you do them properly, push-ups are a great way to strengthen your abs. Start in a high plank position with your shoulders centered above your wrists and your body in a straight line from your neck all the way to your heels. Hold this position for several breaths before lowering slowly, bending your elbows close to your sides. Rise back up and repeat, keeping your core held tight throughout the movement. If this is too hard, lower your knees to the ground.

Side Plank

From plank position, move your right hand until it is more centered under your chest. Pull in your abs and rotate your body so your feet are stacked (right foot beneath the left). Reach your left arm toward the ceiling. Your body should be in a straight line facing one side of the room. If this is too difficult you can lower down to your forearm (elbow beneath your shoulder) or lower your right knee to the ground (in line with your hip). Hold for several breaths, then switch sides.

Bicycle Crunches

You can target your obliques (the sides of your abs) with classic bicycle crunches. Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your elbows pointed out to the sides. Bend your knees toward your chest and lift your shoulders off the floor. Cross one elbow to touch the opposite knee, while also straightening the other leg at a 45-degree angle. Use your core strength to switch sides and repeat, alternating sides evenly.

Vertical Leg Crunches

Your core muscles can get a more challenging workout just by changing the position of your legs during crunches. Lie on your back and bring your legs straight up with your feet toward the ceiling (a 90-degree angle from your hips). Put your hands behind your head and perform crunches by slowly lifting your shoulders off the ground. To make it harder, lower one leg until it is a few inches from the ground and do more crunches, then switch sides.

V-Sit or Boat Pose

Known as a V-sit or boat pose, this core exercise will really work your abs. Start by sitting up with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor in front of you. Grasp the back of your thighs and lean back to lift your feet off the floor and balance on your “sit bones.” Keep your abs in tight and your back straight. Let go of your thighs and hold your arms straight beside your legs, parallel to the ground. If you can keep your back straight, work toward straightening your legs into a full V-sit position. Hold for several breaths.