Fat-burning exercises for a very flat tummy

If you thought only crunches can give you washboard abs, think again. Here are some fat-burning exercises that are even better.

Losing fat on the belly is the hardest, they say. And when you want to strengthen your core and lose the flab, most probably what comes to mind are crunches and sit-ups. But recent research has found that exercises that are meant for the whole body can actually workout the core muscles better than the designated exercises for your abs.

Dumb-bells

Take an exercise mat and sit on it. Now stretch your feet out in front of you. Keep them around three feet apart. Take a pair of dumbbells in your hands and hold them near your shoulders. Keep your back straight. Contract your stomach muscles and push your arms straight up. Return to the starting position and repeat ten to 15 times.

Cheers for the chair

Take a chair and sit on it while keeping your spine straight. Hold the edge of the seat. Now engage your core and use the stomach muscles to bring your toes (pointing to the floor) two to four inches off the floor. Hold for at least three to five seconds then lower your feet down. Repeat for a few minutes.

Try this out

Begin this one by standing with your feet apart — a little more than hip-width apart. Take a dumb-bell and hold it at chest level with both hands. Now, while you bend your knees, lower yourself. Go as far as you can — your elbows should be inside your knees. All the while, work your abdominal muscles, contract them, and use that strength to lower your butt. Keep repeating these squats at least 10-1 5 times.

Lunge!

This is a lunge with a slight variation. Begin by standing with your feet together. Lunge back with your right leg as you bend your knees at right angles. Now reach right hand to left foot. Then go back to standing position. Now, lunge the right leg back and do the exercise again. After ten repetitions, switch sides.

Push-ups

This one is a variation of push-ups. Go to the beginning position (see the picture below). Now slowly lift your right arm and touch your left shoulder with your right hand. Then go back to touching the floor. Now, do the same with your other arm — left arm and right shoulder and back on the floor. Then, touch your left hand to your right thigh, and go back to the main position. Then touch your left thigh with your right arm. Repeat all four touches at least five to eight times each.

Squat for strength

Begin your squat, arms akimbo, and get both your knees bent at 90 degrees. Generally squats are considered to be an important exercise for developing core strength while working the legs and buttocks. Now, engage your core muscles to push your body up to the starting position. The thrust you need to raise your body up will work to burn your stomach fat. Do this at least eight to 10 times for each leg.