2 Stomach Exercises to Help Eliminate Belly Fat

By Donovan Baldwin

Hey, it's Spring again! Winter's over, and we get to ditch all those bulky clothes for a few months.

It's also the time of year that many people start thinking about losing those few extra pounds of flab which stand between them and a sculpted, six-pack midriff. Folks who let themselves go a little in the Winter months, and we know who we are, may begin working overtime, what with the coming of Spring and images of those revealing Summer clothes dancing in their heads.

There are, of course, stomach exercises to speed along the process. Some abdominal exercises are better than others. Here's a couple of tummy-tighteners which are especially good for trimming excess belly fat. Some of the other links on this page will help you find more exercises to help you get a flat stomach fast.

As with any workout routine, and especially if you have not been exercising, be sure to consult a professional before beginning and always warm up properly to avoid injury.

Hip Lift

For this stomach exercise, begin by lying on your back on the floor, or other suitable flat surface. Some sort of mat or towel to cushion your spine is proably a good idea. A note on that, by the way, while yoga mats can suffice, especially if you are already on a cushioned surface, you might want a Pilates mat for the most comfort.

Put your arms along your sides with your palms facing up to the ceiling.

If you cannot perform the next step perfectly, just do the best you can. Keep at it, and, eventually, you will get better at it.

Put your legs straight up in the air so that the soles of your feet are facing the ceiling and your legs make about a ninety degree angle with your torso. Keep your knees unbent and as straight as possible.

Now, contract your ab muscles so that it feels like your belly button is being pulled toward your spine, while at the same time gently lifting your hips off the floor.

Raise your hips to height of a few inches, keeping your legs extended straight upward.

Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly lower your hips back to the floor. Repeat for an entire set.

Seated Torso Twist

If you just did the hip lift, stay on the floor and get into a sitting position.

Bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the floor and position your feet about hip width apart.

Put your arms straight out in front of you, interlocking your fingers.

Contract your abdominals and lean back about forty-five degrees.

While holding the contraction, rotate your torso as far to one side as you can comfortably.

Use your abdominal muscles to control this motion so that your entire upper body moves at once, do not lead with your arms.

Remember, keep your arms in front of your torso, with fingers locked. Pretend you are aiming an imaginary gun if that helps.

Once you have rotated as far as you feel comfortable, rotate back to center, then to the other side. Repeat these steps for an entire set of about 10 or 12 repetitions.

Make sure you move slowly and stay in control of the movement. Do not allow your momentum to take control of the exercise.

About the Author:
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Donovan Baldwin is a freelance writer residing in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area, and a University of West Florida alumnus. He is a past member of Mensa and is retired from the U. S. Army after 21 years of service. In his career, he has held many managerial and supervisory positions. However, his main pleasures have long been writing, nature, health, and fitness. In the last few years, he has been able to combine these pleasures by writing poetry and articles on subjects such as health, fitness, weight lifting, yoga, weight loss, the environment, happiness, self improvement, and life. His blog on Senior Health and Fitness can be found at Fitness-After-40.ws.
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