Best Exercise Tips For a Flat Belly

Six-pack abs or even a toned belly doesn’t come easily unless you know about these exercise tips.

One of the most difficult places to lose weight in is the stomach. No matter how hard you try, targeting that paunch seems like a task in itself. Abdominal fat is very common among Indians due to some of our faulty lifestyle habits. But why do you need a flat belly? It is certainly not just because you want to look good. Did you know excess abdominal fat has been associated with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes? All it takes is a few changes to make to get the abs of your dreams. Here are some exercise tips that specifically target your abdominal fat. But remember that getting a flat belly will require patience and hard work and several days of following a disciplined exercise and diet routine. Don’t expect results in just a few days!

Planking: Planks are excellent for targeting and toning the core muscles which include your abdomen. For planking, just lie flat on your stomach and place your palms next to your face. Push the ground with your toes and raise yourself with your hands keeping your elbows on the floor so that your butt and trunk is in the air. Make sure that you are parallel to the floor. Plank for as long as you can while clenching your stomach muscles.

Utkatasana or the chair pose: Stand straight with your feet apart and move your toes outwards. Squat down till your thighs are parallel to the floor. Join your palms at the level of your chest. Hold this position for 8 to 10 seconds while breathing normally.

Lift and twist crunch: Lie down on your back on the floor and put your hands behind the back of the neck. Lifting your head, twist the upper body to your right and bring your left elbow towards the opposite knee. Do the same with your other side. Pull your stomach muscles in as you do this and hold on for as long s you can. You can increase the speed and duration once you are comfortable with the exercise.

Bhujangasana or the cobra pose: This yoga pose is good for getting flat abs too. All you need to to do is lie down on the floor on your stomach. Keep your palms next to your face and your elbows close to your body. Gradually lift yourself with your hands. Lift your head, chest, stomach and pelvis upwards and look up towards the ceiling. Hold this position for some time.