Switch to these 5 exercises for flat abs and belly

Are you tired of doing crunches without seeing the desired results? Well, you’re not alone. While crunches are beneficial, they are not the ultimate solution for achieving a flat stomach. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. We spoke to Vaneeta Batra, a transformational life coach, fitness enthusiast, and happiness guru, to discover the best exercises that will help you flatten your abs and tone your belly. Let’s dive in and understand why crunches alone won’t give you the results you desire.

Why Crunches are Ineffective

Crunches, although effective for your abs, are not the most comprehensive or efficient abdominal workouts. If your goal is weight loss, relying solely on crunches won’t cut it. According to Batra, “Crunches only work your abs muscles and not your core muscles, which means you won’t burn enough calories to achieve flat abs with crunches alone. Spot reduction, the idea of losing fat from a specific area, is also not possible no matter how many crunches you do. To have flat abs or lose fat from your belly, you need to focus on losing fat from your entire body.”

So, instead of solely relying on crunches, it’s time to switch to full-body movements that engage multiple muscles simultaneously. To help you get started, here are the top 5 exercises recommended by Batra:

1. Cardio

Cardio is crucial for burning fat. Before targeting your waist or belly, focus on losing overall body fat. As your body sheds fat overall, it contributes to a flatter tummy. Incorporate exercises like jogging, running, squat jumping, stair running, high knee exercises, jumping lunges, burpees, swimming, Zumba, dancing, or any sport that helps burn fat and calories.

2. Leg Raise

Leg raise is a fantastic floor exercise that not only targets your abs but also engages other muscles.

Here’s how you can perform it:

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent.
2. Slowly raise both your legs above your hips, bringing your knees towards your chest while keeping your soles facing up.
3. Lower your legs back to the starting position without touching the floor.
4. Repeat this exercise 15 times, doing 2-3 sets.

3. Plank

The plank is a simple yet highly effective exercise for achieving a flat belly. It engages your lower back, obliques, and abs, which are the areas prone to fat accumulation. Additionally, it works wonders as a fat burner.

Here’s how you can perform it:

1. Start in a position similar to a push-up, with your forearms supporting your body weight.
2. Ensure your arms are bent and aligned under your shoulders.
3. Keep your back straight and hold this position for as long as possible.
4. Aim to complete 3-4 sets of 30 seconds each.

4. Reverse Crunch

While regular crunches are beneficial, the reverse crunch takes your abdominal workout to the next level. It is a challenging exercise that avoids neck and back pain, burns calories, and yields better results than traditional crunches and sit-ups.

Here’s how you can perform it:

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your arms by your sides, fingers pointing towards your heels.
2. Lift your feet off the ground, pointing your toes away from your body.
3. Exhale as you slowly lift your hips off the floor, contracting your abs. Your knees should now point towards your head.
4. Keep your head and neck on the floor.
5. Inhale and return to the starting position.
6. Repeat this exercise for 3 sets of 10-12 reps.

5. V Sit-Up

Considered one of the best exercises for reducing belly fat, the V sit-up targets both the upper and lower abs, complementing the effects of crunches and leg raises.

Here’s how you can perform it:

1. Lie on the floor with your arms overhead.
2. Lift your legs and hands off the floor, coming into a sitting position.
3. Balance your body on your butt and tailbone, forming a “V” shape.
4. Keep breathing and slowly return to the starting position.
5. Repeat this exercise for 3 sets of 10-12 reps.

Takeaway

Now that you know crunches alone won’t give you a flat stomach, it’s essential to focus on full-body exercises that engage multiple muscles alongside abdominal training. Don’t completely eliminate crunches from your routine; instead, combine them with these workouts to burn body fat and achieve your desired results. Remember, consistency is key. So, get started on these exercises and wave goodbye to belly fat!