Joining a gym in hopes to lose your belly fat is a noble idea, but only if you put your membership to good use. Part of this revolves around knowing what to do when you walk through the front doors. The most important thing to take into consideration is that you cannot spot reduce your belly fat. The best way to slim down your midsection is by doing cardiovascular exercise, which promotes weight loss throughout your body. A gym has a lot to offer in this department, so you'll achieve success as long as you are disciplined.
Treadmill
The treadmill is a calorie-burning machine that comes equipped with a speed and incline adjustment. The faster and harder you run, the more calories you burn and the quicker you melt belly fat. By doing sprint intervals, you will also boost your metabolic rate and burn more calories over a 24-hour stretch. This also causes you to forcefully contract your abs to generate power.
Elliptical Machine
If you do not like impact from running, an elliptical machine is a better option. This is operated by gliding back and forth with your feet fixed on pedals while pushing and pulling upright poles. You experience a nice caloric expenditure and also work your upper and lower body simultaneously. Engage your abs to maintain an upright posture. By increasing the resistance, you work your abs with more emphasis.
Bike
An exercise bike has an adjustable seat with adjustable handlebars to match. You operate a bike from an upright position. If you have lower back pain, use a recumbent bike. These have a comfortable bucket seat and backrest, and the cranks are out in front of your body. Both types of bikes require you to contract your abs to maintain proper cycling mechanics. In similar fashion to the elliptical, you can increase the resistance and work your abs with more authority.
Stair Climber
A stair climber works the major muscles in the lower body and you also have to contract your abs to maintain an erect posture. This machine is low-impact and you also burn calories efficiently. You will most likely see two forms of these machines in a gym. One type has a revolving set of steps that you walk on throughout your workout. The other has a set of pedals that move up and down with your feet on top. Both have handrails on the sides, but only grasp these lightly. Leaning on them takes work away from your body and compromises your caloric expenditure.
Rowing Machine
A rowing machine is a full body, low-impact device that simulates the rowing action of a boat. To operate this machine, sit on the seat, place your feet in the supports and grasp the handle with your hands on the ends. Slide back and forth while pulling the handle to your body and extending it out straight. You already have to contract your abs while rowing to generate force and stabilize your spine, but you can increase the effect by turning up the resistance.
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