When summer rolls around, many people are bothered by extra weight that they carry in their belly because there is no way to hide it in a bathing suit. Incorporating exercises that target your lower abdominal muscles into your workout routine can help get rid of belly fat and give your stomach a more toned, fit appearance. Depending on the amount of belly fat that you want to lose, results may be slow; perform the exercises regularly and increase the repetitions as your abdominal muscles become stronger.
Step Hop
For beginners who wish to get rid of belly fat, the step hop targets the abdominal muscles, so it helps tone your stomach for a trim look. Begin by standing with your feet hips-width apart and bend your knees slightly. You may rest your hands on your hips to help you keep your balance. Use your right foot to take a step forward and lift your left knee at the same time. Bring your knee to hip level while jumping straight up on your right leg. When you land, both feet should be together. Alternate the legs, and do 16 repetitions between both.
Seated Medicine Ball Trunk Rotations
When beginning a workout routine to get rid of belly fat, the seated medicine ball trunk rotation exercise is another option. These trunk rotations work the rectus abdominis and transversus abdominis muscles, giving your stomach a flatter, more toned appearance. Use a medicine ball weighting about 2 lbs. for the exercise, and you may also want to use a gym mat if you plan to do your workout on a hardwood floor. Begin by sitting on the mat and bend your knees. Your feet should be together, and your heels should be flat against the floor. Hold the medicine ball in your lap, near your body, with your upper body fully erect. Contract your abdominal muscles to maintain the position. Keeping the ball against your middle, rotate your torso to one side. Hold the ball steady so that it does not drop, and pause for a moment at the end of the rotation. Rotate in the opposite direction, and alternate from side to side. To make the exercise more difficult as your abs become stronger, you can use a heavier ball or begin leaning back halfway to the floor, which will increase the effort required by your abdominal muscles.
Lunge Reach
As your abdominal muscles become stronger and your belly is more toned, the lunge reach is an intermediate exercise to try. In addition to the abdominal muscles, it works the shoulders, quadriceps and gluteus maximus. Stand with your feet hips-width apart and gently bend your knees, keeping your arms at your side. Use your left leg to lunge forward, so that both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle and you can reach your arms toward the floor. Use your left leg to push up and return to your original position, lifting your arms over your head. Complete eight repetitions, then switch to the right leg for another set of eight.
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