7 EXERCISES AND YOGA STRETCHES TO MELT AWAY BELLY FAT

| December 9, 2023 | Bodybuilding and Fitness Nutrition | No Comments

Are you looking to trim your waistline and melt away stubborn belly fat? Incorporating a combination of targeted exercises and yoga stretches into your fitness routine can help you achieve a stronger, leaner core.

By focusing on both strengthening and stretching, you can effectively work towards shedding excess fat around your midsection. Let’s explore these seven exercises and yoga stretches that can help you on your journey to a slimmer, more toned belly.

Crunches:

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and your hands behind your head.
  • Lift your shoulders off the ground, engaging your abdominal muscles, then lower back down.
  • Aim for 3 sets of 15-20 repetitions.

Bicycle Crunches:

  • Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your legs lifted, knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
  • Bring your right elbow towards your left knee while straightening your right leg, then switch to the opposite side.
  • Aim for 3 sets of 15-20 repetitions on each side.

Plank:

  • Assume a plank position with your hands directly beneath your shoulders and your body forming a straight line from head to heels.
  • Hold this position for 30-60 seconds, keeping your core engaged.

Boat Pose (Navasana):

  • Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat. Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground, balancing on your sit bones.
  • Extend your arms forward alongside your legs.
  • Hold this position for 30-60 seconds, engaging your core.

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana):

  • Lie on your stomach with your hands beneath your shoulders.
  • Press into the ground to lift your chest and head, keeping your elbows close to your body.
  • Hold this position for 15-30 seconds, then lower back down.

Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana):

  • Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
  • Hinge at your hips to fold forward, reaching towards your feet.
  • Hold this stretch for 30-60 seconds, feeling the stretch in your hamstrings and lower back.

Cat-Cow Stretch:

  • Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly beneath your shoulders and your knees beneath your hips.
  • Inhale as you arch your back and lift your head (cow pose), then exhale as you round your back and tuck your chin towards your chest (cat pose).
  • Flow between these two poses for 10-15 repetitions.

Consistency is key when it comes to seeing results. Pair these exercises and yoga stretches with a balanced diet and regular cardiovascular exercise for optimal belly fat loss. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.