If you’re aiming for a flatter lower belly, your morning routine might be the perfect place to start. According to fitness trainers, adding a few targeted exercises to the beginning of your day can help activate your core, boost your metabolism, and set the tone for lasting fat loss. Whether you’re short on time or looking to shake up your current routine, these four expert-approved moves are designed to engage your lower abs and help you feel stronger and more energized all day long.
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1. Planks
Planks are a highly effective abdominal exercise that can help tone the belly.
This static exercise involves holding a push-up-like position with your forearms and toes while keeping your body in a straight line. "This isometric exercise effectively targets the rectus abdominis, obliques, and the deep core muscles, providing a comprehensive core workout. The tension maintained during a plank helps in tightening and toning the belly muscles," White says.
How to perform planks: Start in a push-up position, but rest on your forearms instead of your hands. Make sure your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles
2. Bicycle Crunches
Bicycle crunches are a dynamic and effective ab exercise that can significantly contribute to toning the lower belly. This exercise involves lying on your back, bringing your knees toward your chest, and alternately touching your right elbow to your left knee and your left elbow to your right knee in a pedaling motion.
"The twisting motion actively targets the obliques while the leg motion engages the rectus abdominis. Together, they provide a full abdominal workout, helping to carve out definition," White notes.
How to perform bicycle crunches: Lie on your back with hands behind your head. Bring one knee towards your chest while twisting the opposite elbow to meet it, then switch.
3. Seated Oblique Twists
Seated oblique twists emerge as a targeted chair exercise with a potential link to achieving a toned body and a flatter belly. This exercise focuses on engaging the oblique muscles, which play a crucial role in sculpting the waistline and supporting core strength.
"Oblique twists focus on the side abdominals, aiding in the reduction of love handles and contributing to a flatter, more toned belly," says White.
How to perform: Sit on the edge of a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Clasp your hands in front of your chest, and twist your torso to the right, then to the left, engaging your obliques with each turn.
4. Mountain Climbers
Mountain climbers are a full-body exercise that can be especially effective for toning the lower belly. In this exercise, you start in a push-up position and then alternately bring your knees toward your chest in a running-like motion.
"This dynamic move increases the heart rate, promoting fat burn. Simultaneously, the core is actively engaged as you pull the knees in, ensuring you're sculpting your abs," White shares.
How to perform mountain climbers: Start in a push-up position. Bring one knee toward your chest and then quickly switch to the other knee, similar to climbing.