Exercises for Losing Stomach Weight

Exercises for Losing Stomach Weight
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Excess stomach fat has acquired multiple slang terms over the years, all negative. Whether you have a pot belly, beer belly, Buddha belly or a pooch, take advantage of exercises for losing stomach weight. However, you need to lose weight throughout your body--spot reduction is not possible. Blend calorie-burning exercises with ab exercises. Aim for 15 to 20 reps with each abdominal exercise.

Cardio Training

Cardio training is the key to losing your stomach fat. All forms of cardio burn calories, so the activities you choose are not important. Focus on your intensity and the length of time you exercise. To effectively lose weight, perform 60 to 90 minutes of cardio at a moderate to high intensity. Perform cardio four to five days a week. Select an activity you enjoy, such as running, power walking, inline skating, elliptical training, stair stepping or kickboxing.

Star Sit-ups

Star sit-ups involve multiple limbs moving at the same time. These exercises work your lower and upper abs, as well as your obliques. Lie on your back with your arms out at your sides and your legs spread apart. In a steady motion, lift your right arm and left leg off the floor and move them toward each other. At this point, your right shoulder should be lifted and your left hand should be on the ground. After touching your toes, lower your arm and leg. Repeat with your left arm and right leg.

Pull-ins

Pull-ins, which require an exercise ball, work your lower and upper abs. Place your lower shins on the ball. Put your hands shoulder-width apart on the floor. With your arms extended and your back straight, roll the ball toward your body as you pull your knees into your chest. After holding for a second, roll the ball back out.

Cross Crunch

Cross crunches work your obliques from a face-up position. Lie on your back with your right knee bent and your right foot flat on the floor. Rest your left ankle on your right thigh, just above your knee. Place your hands on the sides of your head and point your elbows out. Lift your right shoulder and move your right elbow toward your left knee. After squeezing your obliques forcefully, slowly lower and repeat. Once you've completed a set of reps, switch sides.

Ball Rollout

A ball rollout works your abdominal area, as well as your upper back muscles. Kneel on the floor with your hands shoulder-width apart on an exercise ball. Keeping your arms and back straight, roll the ball forward while lowering your hips toward the floor. When doing this, let your forearms glide across the top of the ball. Once you feel a strong contraction in your abs, roll the ball back to the starting position.

Weighted Crunches

Use a set of dumbbells to perform weighted crunches, which target your upper abs. Lie on your back with your knees bent, your feet flat on the floor and your arms extended behind your head with the dumbbells in your hands. Keeping your arms straight, lift your torso off the ground and squeeze your abs forcefully. Slowly lower and repeat.

References

Article reviewed by Jaime Reese Last updated on: May 23, 2010

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