While you may struggle to lose inches around your mid-section, it is simply not possible to target only one area for weight loss. A combination of rigorous exercise and a smart nutrition plan will help you to shed fat around your entire body -- including your waistline. There are, however, exercises to help you tone your abdominal muscles.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise is essential for losing weight on any area of your body. Not only does an aerobic workout burn calories as you exercise, but it also speeds your metabolism when you are at rest. If you are new to aerobic exercise, start out slow but consistent. Begin by walking at a pace with which you are comfortable for at least 20 minutes. If you cannot perform 20 minutes of walking, do what you can and work your way up to 20 minutes. Once you can comfortably perform this, increase your walking time to 30 minutes. Then, start incorporating more speed into your workout until you can jog or run for 30 minutes. Walking, jogging, running, dancing, bicycling and swimming are all good methods of aerobic exercise. Aim to perform aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Crunches
Crunches can be a good method of strengthening and toning your abdominal muscles. Lying on the floor with your knees bent, cross your arms over your chest, making sure not to allow your chin to drop to your chest. Squeezing your abdominal muscles, slowly lift your upper body toward your knees until you feel a tightening in your mid-section. Hold this position for three counts, then slowly return to the starting position. To target your obliques, upon reaching your knees, twist your torso from side to side before returning to the starting position. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions. Abdominal exercises can be performed on a daily basis, therefore strive to incorporate these exercises into your workout regimen even on days you perform your aerobic training.
Torso Twists
Torso twists are a simple but effective exercise for targeting your abdominal muscles. Standing with your legs straight and feet shoulder-width apart, place your fists on your hips. While squeezing your abdominals, slowly twist your torso to the left until you feel your abdominal muscles tightening. Twist to your right side until you feel these muscles working again. Perform three sets of 20 total repetitions.
Abdominal Hold
Sitting on the edge of a sturdy chair, place your palms on the edge of the chair on both sides of you. While keeping your abdominal muscles tight, slowly lift your buttocks off the chair until your feet are between 2 to 4 inches off the ground. Hold this position for five to 10 seconds, then slowly resume your original position. Perform this exercise 10 times if possible. If you cannot perform this many repetitions, do as many as you can and work your way up to 10 repetitions.
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