Stubborn belly fat causes men and women around the world aggravation and frustration, especially when you've done everything you're supposed to do to get rid of excess weight; watching the diet and exercising. However, there are ways to get rid of abdominal or belly fat that may seem a little different to many of us. Water aerobics aren't just for 'old people', and can help shed pounds and inches with less stress to joints. Individuals seeking to lose weight or flab around the middle may be pleasantly surprised to discover that water aerobics is not only fun, but very effective when it comes to thinning, shaping and trimming the waist area.
Step 1
Jog in the water. Jogging in water is a lot easier than jogging on land. You won't hurt your knees, and the added resistance of the water provides great benefits and results. Hold onto the side of the pool with one hand, or if your balance is really good, you don't have to hang on. Start by 'walking' in place, lifting the knees high, up to waist level as you warm up, then add a little hop to the move. You can do this for 5 minutes or so, depending on your current strength and stamina, constantly holding the stomach in by sucking the belly button back toward the spine. The lifting motion of the legs is especially good for toning the lower abdominal muscle.
Step 2
Try jumping jacks in shoulder deep water. This will really get your heart going, and you feel the resistance on your hips and thighs. Concentrate on holding the stomach in when you do jumping jacks, so tightly you don't feel much of a jiggle when you bounce. Start with 10 to 15 jumping jacks, increasing repetitions or time as you get stronger.
Step 3
Sit on a step, back straight, knees bent. Hold onto the side of the pool with one hand. Press the feet together and then lift your knees toward your chest, performing a seated reverse abdominal crunch. These are also called a knee tuck. If you want to add some challenge and work the sides of the waist at the same time, sit in the middle of the step, and while you're lifting your knees, bring them up toward your right shoulder, lower and then bring the knees up toward your left shoulder. Do this exercise between 5 and 10 times to start, increasing as you feel stronger.
Step 4
Perform leg lifts. Stand by the side of the pool, back to the wall. Holding onto the side of the pool with your hands and arms, extend your body so that your legs are straight. Keeping the feet and knees together, suck in the abs and lift your legs toward the surface of the pool at the same time, trying not to allow your body to swing or flop in the water. Hold at the top for a moment and then lower the legs, then repeating the process. Start with about 10 of these.
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