At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What are the Best Exercises to Burn Abdominal Fat?
There are certain ways to burn abdominal fat that don't rely only on ab crunches or boring low-fat diets. There also are different abdominal workouts that combine cardiovascular and endurance training, which can strengthen the abdominal muscles. Eating a high-protein diet can also help burn abdominal fat very well by increasing muscle mass and boosting the metabolism. Using these techniques and exercises not only tones the abs, it also helps promote overall health.
The best way to start an exercise program to burn belly flab is to ensure the proper intake of nutrients. Without a balance of protein and other macronutrients, the body will not perform at its best. Protein, fat and carbohydrates are all macronutrients available in foods. Protein is the most satiating macronutrient that can help satisfy hunger, resulting in decreased caloric intake. This can promote weight loss in the abdominal area and the whole body.
Protein also helps feed muscle and boosts the metabolism. High-protein diets seem very beneficial in promoting not only weight loss but the strengthening of muscles as well. Increasing protein throughout the day will help burn belly flab and provide energy for workouts and exercises. Some studies recommend a high-protein diet over low-fat diets for weight loss and muscle toning.
Fat is the next satiating nutrient. This macronutrient can also help decrease fat tissue in the abdominal area. Research has shown that the medium chained triglycerides in coconut oil are very effective in decreasing belly fat in obese women.
Certain abdominal exercises, such as ab crunches, have been touted as the best way to burn abdominal fat. Constricting the type of exercise to only ab crunches, however, will not provide a full range of benefits to the abdominal area. Twisting the torso, for example, provides strengthening and toning of the muscles of the front and sides of the abdomen. Punching alternating arms in each twisting direction while pulling in on the abdominal area also helps tone the muscles.
Another effective exercise to help burn abdominal fat is the plank position. This exercise requires balance on the tips of the toes while at the same time holding all of the body weight in the palm of the hands on the floor. The body will be horizontally aligned to the floor, forming a plank position. Pulling the abdominal muscles into the spine during this exercise will help tone the muscles and will ultimately burn abdominal fat.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Eating a high protein diet may help reduce abdominal fat.]()
By: PaylessimagesEating a high protein diet may help reduce abdominal fat. -
![Abdominal exercises can build muscle, but do not have much affect on fat content.]()
By: HalfpointAbdominal exercises can build muscle, but do not have much affect on fat content. -
![Regular biking is a great way to burn abdominal fat and enjoy the outdoors.]()
By: david hughesRegular biking is a great way to burn abdominal fat and enjoy the outdoors.
Discussion Comments
If you are no more than five or ten pounds overweight, then the fastest way to lose belly fat may just be to strengthen the underlying muscles. This is what I did, and though I didn't lose my ten pounds at once, I looked more toned and lean.
I did a dance workout, and it helped in two ways. The movements got my heart and lungs pumping, and that burned calories. The crunches that the instructor incorporated into the moves I did while standing really sculpted my physique.
Once I got the muscle, I could burn fat faster. Muscle actually burns fat, so I had that added help with getting rid of the rest of the fat.
@seag47 – I've always heard that drinking low fat milk can help you burn belly fat faster. Some study showed that women who drank a glass of milk a day burned more fat than those who didn't.
Also, eating yogurt can help. I'm not sure what it is about dairy that burns fat, but apparently, something in it helps.
You'll still need to exercise if you want a toned belly. However, it never hurts to try to burn belly fat by several methods.
What are some foods that help burn belly fat? My doctor put me on a low protein, low fat diet because of a kidney condition I have, so I'm looking for something that won't get me in trouble there.
It is true that you can't lose belly fat unless you lose fat all over. You really need to do some type of exercise that makes your heart pump faster for fifteen minutes or so every other day in order to do this.
Taking a brisk walk makes you breathe faster, which makes your heart rate speed up. Aerobic dancing is also helpful.
So, you'll be burning fat all over. If you want to look like you've been really working on your abdominal muscles, then you need to do crunches or some sort of abdominal workout in addition to the aerobic or cardiovascular workout. That way, once you lose the weight, you will have a layer of muscle under there to show off.
Post your comments