Summer is right around the corner, and if you’re still trying to shed off some stubborn belly fat that won’t just go away, it’s time to start some targeted belly fat burner exercises that’ll have you shedding pounds in no time flat. Burning belly fat doesn’t have to be a long and annoying process if you go about it the right way. With the correct combination of diet and proper workouts, you can reduce that extra bit of fluff around your waistline and be on your way to a happier, healthier you.
As you try to burn off some pounds, review our five top belly fat workouts for men and women and some general belly fat-burning tips.
When you want to get rid of stubborn belly fat fast, you have plenty of options, such as HIIT workouts, Pilates, and functional training. Find out more about each of these belly fat-burning exercises below:
HIIT training, or High Intensity Interval Training, is popular for a reason. If you’ve been working out for a little bit, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve heard someone reference HIIT training at some point in your fitness journey.
HIIT workouts consist of short bursts of intense exercise followed by a brief period of rest. Alternating between movement and small amounts of recovery will keep your metabolism up and running, leading to increased fat burning.
A sample beginner’s HIIT workout that you can do by yourself could look something like the following:
Repeat this circuit two more times, and you’ll be shedding fat in no time!
Tabata training is great if you’re short on time but still want an intense workout to burn fat and build muscle. It is similar to HIIT training but consists of shorter, more rigidly defined workouts.
Usually, Tabata circuits consist of 20 seconds of exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated 8 times for a total of 4 minutes altogether.
A sample beginner’s Tabata workout could look something like the following:
Functional training is a series of movements that mimic motions that you make in daily life. Functional training was developed by physical therapists to get people used to daily movements again and is now regarded as a great way to work your essential muscle groups.
Functional training workouts can consist of movements like lunges, overhead presses, kettlebell swings, and axe handle workouts. These motions are a great way to get back to basics if you’re feeling burnt out by your usual workouts and want to try something new that isn’t overly complicated.
If you can, it’s a good idea to work with a trainer to develop a multi-day workout plan that involves functional movements so you can keep your body guessing and not get bored doing the same workout over and over again.
Pilates is a fantastic way to target your core muscles and burn fat. Pilates works on strengthening and lengthening the muscles in your core. It’s also low impact enough that you won’t have to worry about getting injured and possibly derailing your fat-burning goals.
Pilates also improves your posture and overall body awareness, which can be a great way to improve your daily life and mental health. Most gyms have group Pilates classes a few times a week, and it can be a great way to make new friends and meet like-minded people.
Planks are a tried-and-true way to get your core strong and burn fat at the same time! Traditional planks are great, and doing them every day will have you burning fat and strengthening your core in no time flat, but spicing your workout up with variations like side planks, plank jacks, and plank twists can keep your body guessing and make sure you don’t get bored in the long run.
Planks not only target abdominal muscles but also challenge your stability and balance, making for a more comprehensive workout and improving your overall fitness and body awareness in the long run!
Along with the exercises above, the following tips about general health are surefire ways to keep your progress going and burn belly fat in no time:
Being mindful of when you are hungry vs when you just want a snack is important to burning belly fat. Try to make sure that you’re not grazing too much in between meals, as unnecessary calories can contribute to belly fat. Portion control is also a big contributor to unwanted belly fat. Try to fill your plate with colorful, nutrient-rich food in appropriate portions. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can keep your cravings in check and help you reach your goals in no time!
Prioritize eating a balanced diet with a lot of nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and refined carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain and belly fat.
Hydration
It may sound like a given, but you need to drink a good amount of water throughout the day if you’re working out with a purpose. Not only does water support overall health and well-being, but it can also help curb cravings and promote a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight loss efforts.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is a huge contributor to belly fat, and while it may be fun to go out for a few beers with your friends after work, try and drink in moderation if you’re trying to burn belly fat. If you do go out for some drinks, seltzers and clear alcohol are better choices, but remember, moderation is key!
Get Plenty of Sleep
Do your best to get seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night, as inadequate sleep can disrupt hunger hormones, increase cravings, and inhibit your weight loss efforts. Try making it a habit to get to bed at the same time every night, and avoid staying on your phone for too long before you go to sleep. Increased screen time before bed can reduce sleep quality and make you feel sluggish the next day.
If you’re trying to burn off some belly fat and live in Southern California, from Long Beach up to Santa Barbara, our expert instructors at Gold’s Gym SoCal have you covered. Gold’s Gym SoCal offers personal training options and a variety of high-quality strength-training equipment you can use to get rid of that stubborn belly fat and get ready for beach season. We also have a variety of group exercise classes you can take to maximize your weight loss in a fun, encouraging setting.
Take advantage of a Free Pass to come see what Gold’s Gym SoCal is all about. If you want to find a Gold’s Gym near you in SoCal, check out our many gyms located in Southern California.
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