The interest in finding the best exercises and diets to banish belly fat has always been around. In fact, one TikTok channel named “Losing Belly Fat” has 75 million views alone.
While there are many ways to target this tricky area, one expert has come up with a “unique ab workout”. Leon Bolmeer, fitness expert and director of Geezer’s Boxing, explained the routine could help target your belly fat and sculpt toned abs.
The exercises were designed to be performed two or three times per week, with at least one rest day in between. The expert recommended performing three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions for each of the following exercises.
Plank with shoulder taps
According to the expert, this is one of the most effective ways of developing toned abs and should be part of your workout.
Bolmeer told Gloucestershire Live: “Start in a high plank position, with your forearms on the ground, and your elbows stacked under your shoulders, with your body forming a straight line from head to heels. Engage your core and tap one shoulder with your opposite hand, then return to the plank position. Repeat, alternating sides for the desired reps.”
Dead Bug
Considered to be more unusual, the dead bug involves you lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. You then need to extend one arm straight towards the ceiling and the opposite leg straight out, keeping your lower back pressed into the ground.
Bolmeer said: “Then, slowly lower your extended arm and leg towards the floor, but don’t let your lower back arch. Maintain core engagement throughout the movement and return to your starting position and repeat with the opposite arm and leg.”
Bicycle crunches
This movement that targets upper abs and obliques also starts with you lying on your back with your knees bent. You will also need to place your hands behind your head.
After you have assumed this starting position, lift your shoulders off the ground, twist your torso, and bring one elbow towards the opposite knee as you extend the other leg straight out. The expert added: “Switch sides in a continuous motion, mimicking a pedalling action.”
Hollow body hold
Bolmeer explained that this exercise is one of the most challenging ones. He instructed to lie on your back with your arms and legs extended straight off the ground.
The expert continued: “Engage your core to lift your shoulders and legs slightly off the ground, forming a slight “C” shape with your body. Hold this position for as long as you can maintain proper form, aiming to improve your hold time over time.”
Mountain climbers
Designed to target your core and legs, mountain climbers starts in a high plank position. You need to quickly alternate bringing each knee towards your chest, maintaining a strong core, and remembering to keep your hips low throughout the movement, the expert instructed.
Bolmeer added: “Consistency is key. Stick to this plan and you’ll start to see and feel the difference in your core strength and definition. Listen to your body. If you experience any pain, stop the exercise and consult a healthcare professional.
“Proper nutrition is essential for muscle development and fat loss, so make sure you’re fuelling your body with healthy foods to support your fitness goals.”
Despite the ability of these exercises to sculpt your belly muscles, experts often warn that there’s no such thing as a workout that can blast your tummy fat. Female Fitness Coach Tina explained that you can’t target the specific spot that you want your body to lose fat from.
Instead, she recommended creating a calorie deficit where your body is burning more calories than it’s consuming. You can achieve this through moving more, eating less, or a combination of both.
