Belly fat is more than just unflattering -- the deeper visceral fat located in the abdomen can increase your risk of developing serious health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, gallbladder complications and cancer. Although it is not possible to spot-reduce fat from one area of the body such as the belly, you can improve the tummy's overall appearance by doing lower abdominal exercises, such as pelvic lifts and pelvic tilts.
Step 1
Lie flat on the floor with your knees bent up toward the ceiling. Extend your arms out to your sides with your palms facing the ceiling.
Step 2
Push your back against the ground and tighten your abdominal muscles. Bend your pelvis up slightly until your lower back arches up from the floor. Do not allow your hips to come up from the floor.
Step 3
Hold the lift for a few seconds, and then gently lower yourself back to the floor, controlling every movement with your abdominal muscles
Step 4
Repeat the exercise about five times. Do this daily until you can do about 20 repetitions.
Tips and Warnings
- You can also exercise to fight belly fat by doing a pelvic lift. Lie down on your back with your knees bent upward and arms loose and comfortable at your sides. Contract your abdominal muscles and completely lift your buttocks up from the floor. Hold the exercise for about five seconds and then lower yourself back to the ground. Repeat up to 20 times.
- The Merck Manuals website warns that you can easily injure yourself while exercising. To avoid injuries such as sprains, strains or dislocations, make sure that you warm up and stretch your muscles prior to exercising. In addition, it is important to stretch and cool down the muscles when you are done with your workout. This will help to redistribute lactic acid, which can contribute to muscle soreness and injury.
Member Comments