Everyone agrees that the fat in our midsection is the hardest to remove even when you do countless of crunches or sit-ups. One reason why we have belly bulge when we get older is because we tend to lose muscle mass. And because there is more muscle lost, only a few calories are being converted to energy hence fat accumulates in this part of your body.
Although there is no spot reduce to remove the fats that are clinging in your midsection, there are certain exercises that can aid in minimizing the bulge.
Lying-knee twist. Start this exercise by lying on your back with your arms extended straight out from the shoulders and with palms facing downward. Bend hips and knees at 90 degree angles to go into a table top position. Make sure that your core is tight and that your shoulders are pressed on the floor. Lower your legs with your knees touching one another toward your right without touching the floor. Increase your range of motion as you try to go lower without lifting your shoulders. Tighten your abs further as you go back to your first position then repeat with the other side.
Funky abs. This exercise is for beginners in fitness. Stand with your feet at hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Your shoulders should be in a downward position. Tighten your abs then tilt your pelvis forward so your back will be rounded. Go back to your first position and repeat but this time reversing the movement so your butt is sticking out.
Reach and catch crunch. For this exercise, you will need to lie down on your back first with your feet together and your knees raised. Place both hands on your right thigh with your shoulder blades slightly lifted from the floor. Crunch abs to pull yourself up while bringing your hands toward your right knee as if you are catching a ball. Lower yourself back slowly then repeat with the other side.
Twist and drop. Stand with your feet a bit wider than the width of your shoulder. Hinge from your hips then place your hands on the floor about a foot from your feet. While keeping your head down, tighten your abs then lift your left foot. Sweep your left leg in front of your right as you bend your right knee. Lower your hips toward the floor while keeping your left leg extended. Go back to your first position and repeat with the other leg.
Ballerina leg lift. Sit down on your mat with your legs extended before you with your thighs together and your toes pointed. Keep your abdominal muscles engaged. Lean backwards until you can place your forearms on the mat with your palms flat on the mat and your fingers pointing. Raise your right arm overhead while leaving your left arm planted on the floor. Twist your torso to the left while lifting your left leg to 45 degrees. Go back to your first position and repeat with the other leg. Keep alternating until you do 20 reps.
