Sit ups are a common exercise people do to get toned and fit abs. However, this exercise alone won't get you the abs of your dreams. Only a well-balanced fitness regimen can get rid of your stomach fat and enable you to tone your muscles for a slim and fit look.
Spot Reduction
Sit ups tone and tighten your abdominal muscles, specifically the rectus abdominis, which lie along the top and center of your belly. This exercise won't burn stomach fat, however. According to the American Council on Exercise, you could do sit up after sit up and still not see fat reduction. This is because spot reduction, or performing an exercise for one part of the body, doesn't work. Instead, you must work out your entire body to see a loss of fat from any place on your frame.
Standard Sit Up
The standard sit up is an exercise routine staple and performing it properly is essential for toning your abs. Though they won't get rid of your fat, they will tone the underlying muscles. To do a sit up, lie on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat underneath an object like a chair or have someone hold your feet. Cross your arms over your chest or place them behind your head. Tighten your abs and lift yourself up off the floor. Keep your head looking forward and slightly up. Don't jut your head forward or strain your neck. Use only your abs to lift up. Once you reach as far as you can, lower back down with control. Repeat at least 10 times.
Sit Up Variations
Many other variations of the sit up tone different parts of your abdomen. Crunches and planks tone the rectus abdominis. You can work out the transverse abdominis or lower abdomen with reverse crunches and leg lifts. And if you want to target the side abdominal muscles or obliques, you can do side twists, side crunches or bicycles.
Cardio Need
If you want to lose stomach fat, you have to do cardiovascular exercise. This is exercise that elevates your heart rate and burns calories. This is the only way to lose fat from anywhere on your body, including your stomach. You can accomplish this by performing exercises like walking, jogging, running, swimming or cycling. You need to do about 60 to 90 minutes of activity, five times a week to burn enough calories to see weight loss.
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