Buttoning those skinny jeans shouldn't be a far-away daydream. Belly bulge not only doesn't look good, the abdominal area is the most dangerous place to store unwanted fat, according to an article in "USA Today." Although it's impossible to spot reduce, luckily, the belly tends to be among the first areas of initial weight loss.
Cardio
Belly fat is, well, fat. And cardio is king when it comes to overall calorie burn and weight loss. To blast calories at home, try jumping rope, running up and down the stairs, jumping jacks, running in place with high knees, skipping with high knees and arms, or stepping up and down onto any sturdy, elevated surface.
Mix and match any of these exercises for a three-minute set. Rest for one minute, then work your way up to perform five total sets.
Strength
While body fat must be low for a taut tummy, developing the muscles will help the abdominals become visible. Try lying down, hands behind the head, and neck relaxed. Find a spot in the sky to focus on and exhale during the muscle contraction (the hard part).
With legs straight and ankles crossed, crunch up until the shoulder blades are off the floor and squeeze the abdominals at the top. Lower and repeat for one minute.
Imagine riding a bicycle by bringing the shoulder to the opposite knee and repeat. Continue for 20 seconds at an easy pace. The next 20 seconds bicycle as slow as possible and the last 20 seconds bicycle as fast as possible.
With the soles of your shoes aimed toward the sky, engage the abdominals to raise the lower body slightly off the ground without jerking. The upper body stays relaxed on the ground. Lower and repeat for one minute.
Core
Strengthening the core will improve posture and create the appearance of a longer and leaner silhouette and flatter belly. These exercises are easy to perform at home and will have your core engaged.
On all fours, raise and straighten an opposing leg and arm. Pause for three seconds, gazing over your fingertips, then switch. Perform ten times on each side.
Lying face down, come onto the forearms and toes for plank position. Hold for three seconds, relax and come back down to the ground, then pop back into plank. Repeat 10 times.
Hold a light weight overhead with two hands, keeping your arms straight. Sway your hips one side while your arms sway the opposite direction. Perform 15 times each side.
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