Fat deep within your abdominal cavity, or visceral fat, surrounds your organs and poses more danger than other fats. It emits hormones and chemicals that increase your chances of developing such issues as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and certain types of cancer. Exercise alone won't flatten your belly. Combine your fitness plan with a low-fat, low-calorie diet that includes plenty of veggies, healthy fats, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products.
Cardio and Strength Training
Include cardiovascular exercises and strength training in your workout to slim your belly. Cardio increases your metabolic rate to burn more fat throughout your body. Spend at least 60 minutes most days of the week participating in moderate- to high-intensity cardio activities, such as running, jogging, tennis and cycling. Use weights during your workouts to build muscle -- lean muscle mass burns calories at a higher rate than fat.
Wood Chops
Perform a core workout two to three times weekly to help slim and tone your tummy, recommends the American Council on Exercise. Include such exercises as the standing wood chop. This move requires a medicine ball. Stand with your left leg in front of your right leg. Grasp the medicine ball with both hands. Hold the ball in front of you, slightly above shoulder level. Keep your body centered as you lift your arms to the left of your body. Rotate the ball across your body until it lands near your hips. The movement mimics the act of chopping wood. Return to your starting position. Perform 12 repetitions for each side.
Pelvic Lifts
Add pelvic lifts to your workout to target your lower abs. Lie flat on your back. Lift your feet off the floor, bending your knees toward your chest. Keep your hands relaxed at your sides as you contract your abs to lift your glutes off the floor. Hold the stretch for five seconds. Release the contraction. Repeat 10 times.
Knee Cross Crunch
Do the knee cross crunch as part of your core training routine. Stand with your feet together. Place your right hand on your hip. Bend your left arm in front of you. Raise your right knee to about hip height as you twist your torso to touch your left elbow to your right knee. Twist back to your starting position. Perform eight to 10 reps for each side.
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