10 best workouts to lose belly fat

Cardio and strength training are key if you’re looking for the best workouts to lose belly fat. Start with high-intensity interval training (HIIT), one of the best workouts to lose belly fat, as it boosts your metabolism and burns fat quickly. Exercises like planks, crunches, and leg raises can target your core, helping tighten the belly area. Don’t forget about cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming, which are also great for burning overall body fat.

Full-body strength training exercises, like squats and lunges, can help you build muscle and burn fat even while resting. Yoga and Pilates can improve flexibility while toning the muscles, contributing to a slimmer belly. To maximize results, aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Consistency is crucial when looking for the best workouts to lose belly fat. Combine these exercises with a healthy diet for faster results. With dedication, you can achieve a flat belly and overall body fitness.

1. Walking

You might be surprised to see walking on this list, but don’t underestimate its power. Walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to burn calories, especially if you do it consistently. It’s a low-impact exercise, making it suitable for almost anyone, regardless of fitness level.

Walking briskly for 30–60 minutes daily can burn many calories and promote weight loss, including belly fat. To intensify your walk, add an incline or speed up your pace. If you’re starting, aim for a 20-minute walk and gradually increase your time and speed as you get fitter.

2. Running or Jogging

Running and jogging are two of the best workouts to lose belly fat because they help burn calories quickly and boost your heart rate. When you run, your body uses fat as fuel, which reduces belly fat over time. These exercises target your whole body, making them highly effective for overall fitness. You can follow a simple routine that includes jogging and sprinting to get the best results. For example, you can sprint for 30 seconds, then jog or walk for 1 minute to recover.

Repeat this cycle for 20-30 minutes to maximize fat loss. This method, known as High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), is one of the best workouts to lose belly fat and improve cardiovascular health. It’s a time-efficient way to achieve your fitness goals while strengthening your heart. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this is one of the best workouts to lose belly fat and get in shape.

3. Planks

Planks are one of the best workouts to lose belly fat because they target your core muscles, including the abdominals, back, shoulders, and glutes. By holding the plank position, you engage multiple muscle groups, helping to burn fat and tone your body. To start, get into the basic plank position by resting on your forearms and toes, keeping your body straight. Hold the position for 30 seconds; you can increase the duration over time as your strength improves.

One of the reasons planks are considered one of the best workouts to lose belly fat is because they work your core and improve stability and strength in other parts of your body. If you want to challenge yourself, try adding variations like side planks or plank leg lifts. These exercises make the plank even more effective in burning belly fat. Including planks in your routine is an easy and effective way to incorporate the best workouts to lose belly fat into your fitness plan. With consistent practice, you’ll see improvements in your core strength and a reduction in belly fat.

4. Bicycle Crunches

Bicycle crunches are a classic abdominal exercise that effectively targets your lower abs and obliques. You burn fat in your midsection and strengthen your core muscles by twisting your torso while bringing your knees to your chest.

To perform bicycle crunches, lie on your back, place your hands behind your head, and bring your legs up to a 90-degree angle. Twist your torso to bring your right elbow toward your left knee while straightening your right leg. Switch sides in a pedalling motion. Aim for 15–20 reps on each side.

5. Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers are one of the best workouts to lose belly fat quickly. This full-body exercise targets your core, shoulders, arms, and legs, making it ideal for burning fat. It is also a cardio exercise, which helps increase your heart rate, allowing you to burn calories faster.

The best workouts to lose belly fat should challenge your upper and lower body, and mountain climbers do that. Begin with 30 seconds and gradually increase the time as your stamina improves. The faster you go, the more intense the workout becomes, helping you achieve faster results. Including mountain climbers in your routine can be one of the best workouts to lose belly fat effectively. Over time, this exercise can help sculpt your body and improve your overall fitness.

6. Burpees

Burpees are a high-intensity workout that involves squatting, jumping, and doing a push-up, all in one move. They are known for being one of the best exercises for burning fat, especially belly fat. Burpees increase your heart rate, helping you burn more calories and build strength.

To perform a burpee, stand, squat down, and place your hands on the floor. Jump your feet back into a push-up position, do a push-up, and then jump forward again. Finally, jump up and reach your arms overhead. Repeat this for 10–15 reps to start.

7. Jumping Jacks

Jumping jacks are a fun and simple exercise that helps burn calories, improve coordination, and boost heart rate. This full-body workout works on your core, legs, arms, and chest, making it a great way to burn belly fat.

To do jumping jacks, start by standing with your feet together and arms at your sides. Jump your legs out to the sides while raising your arms overhead. Jump back to the starting position and repeat. Aim for 30–60 seconds of jumping jacks, depending on your fitness level.

8. Russian Twists

Russian twists are great for targeting your obliques and strengthening your core. This exercise is performed while seated and involves twisting your torso from side to side. While it doesn’t directly burn belly fat, it does help tone your midsection, contributing to a leaner appearance.

To perform Russian twists, sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat. Lean back slightly and clasp your hands together in front of you. Twist your torso to the right, then to the left, while keeping your abs engaged. You can add a weight or medicine ball for added intensity. Try to do 20–30 twists per side.

9. Leg Raises

Leg raises are an excellent exercise for targeting the lower part of your abdominal muscles. They help tighten the lower belly area, which is often a trouble spot for many people. Although leg raises primarily target your abs, they also engage your lower back and hip flexors.

To do leg raises, lie flat on your back with your hands at your sides or under your hips for support. Slowly raise your legs toward the ceiling while keeping them straight, then lower them back down without letting them touch the floor. Aim for 12–15 repetitions.

10. High Knees

High knees are an effective cardio exercise that strengthens your heart while working your core, legs, and arms. This exercise burns calories quickly, which helps reduce belly fat. Plus, high knees improve coordination and flexibility.

Stand tall and march in place to perform high knees, bringing your knees up to your chest as high as possible. Pump your arms as you do this to keep the movement fluid. Try doing this exercise for 30–60 seconds, alternating between moderate and fast-paced movements.

Conclusion

Losing belly fat isn’t about doing just one exercise; it’s about combining the right workouts, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying consistent. These 10 exercises are great additions to your fitness routine and can help you burn belly fat while strengthening and toning your muscles. Remember that consistency is key—stick with these workouts, and you’ll see the results over time.

Remember to stay patient and focused on your long-term goals. Combining these workouts with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle choices will bring you closer to achieving your desired body. Keep moving, stay motivated, and enjoy the journey!