How To Lose The Last Two Inches Of Belly Fat

You've lost weight, but those last few inches of stubborn belly fat is not coming off. Evaluate your current diet and exercise program to make sure you aren't sabotaging your own efforts. Include full body workouts in your exercise regime to reduce body fat. Remember that spot-reduction is not possible, so trimming inches off your stomach involves total body fat loss. Following a low-fat diet while engaging in fat-burning workouts will help you shed the last two inches of belly fat.

Step 1

Engage in circuit training three days per week to develop muscle, rev up your metabolism and melt fat. Perform one resistance exercise per muscle group, such as barbell curls for biceps, triceps dips, military press for shoulders, crunches for abs, lunges for legs, bent-over rows for back and dumbbell chest press for the pectoral muscles. Execute each exercise for one set of 15 to 20 repetitions. Perform 30 to 60 seconds of cardiovascular activity after each resistance exercise, such as jumping jacks or jogging in place to increase your heart rate and burn more fat than resistance training alone. Rotate through the series of exercises for 30 to 45 minutes. Anticipate burning about 500 to 600 calories per workout.

Step 2

Train your abs and core muscles twice per week to tone the stomach. Include a variety of exercises to target each muscle in the midsection. Perform exercises such as medicine ball situps, reverse crunches, side bends and bicycles for three sets of 25 repetitions. Execute three sets of plank holds at the end of each abdominal workout to strengthen your core --- maintain a static hold in a pushup position on your elbows for 30 to 60 seconds.

Step 3

Perform 45 minutes of cardiovascular exercise four to five days per week to burn fat and give your body a slimmer appearance. Go for an outdoor jog or a brisk walk. Use cardiovascular exercise equipment such as the treadmill, elliptical machine or recumbent bike. Play sports like soccer, basketball or football to add variety to your cardio workouts.

Step 4

Eat for a flat belly. Consume healthy foods such as skinless chicken, whitefish, lean beef, egg whites, vegetables, unsaturated fats such as olive oil and flaxseed, fruits and low-fat dairy. Avoid high-sodium foods and carbonated beverages which encourage bloating in the midsection.