To tackle belly fat and achieve a toned midsection, it’s crucial to focus on burning excess fat in the abdominal region. Targeted exercises for the stomach, sides, and hips will stimulate the muscles in these areas, helping to eliminate stubborn fat deposits. Hinafit, a Japanese fitness trainer with over 700,000 followers on her YouTube channel (@Hinafit), suggests a workout routine for the abdominal area, featuring variations of the classic crunch exercise.
Basic Crunches (20 reps)
All you need is a mat. Lie down with your back flat on the mat, placing your hands gently behind your head. As you inhale, engage your abdominal muscles and lift your upper body off the mat, exhaling as you lower back down. Focus on deep breathing to maximize muscle contraction.
This fundamental exercise is highly effective for toning the abdominal region.
90-Degree Crunches (20 reps)
Lift your legs to form a 90-degree angle. Place your hands behind your head, inhale deeply, and engage your core. As you exhale, lift your upper body off the mat and then lower it back down in a controlled manner. Repeat this movement for 20 reps.
Instead of lowering your legs, try this variation by lifting them to a 90-degree angle.
Abdominal Contraction (15 reps)
Lift your legs off the mat, supporting your upper body with your hands. Contract your abdominal muscles as you gently lift and lower your hips in a rhythmic manner for 15 repetitions.
Lift your legs and support your upper body with your hands, focusing on rhythmic lifts and lowers.
Right-Side Crunches (10 reps)
This exercise targets the muscles on your sides and lower abdomen, helping you achieve a firmer midsection. You’ll feel the burn in your hips and obliques as you perform these crunches.
Feel the burn in your sides and hips as you perform these targeted crunches.
Left-Side Crunches (10 reps)
Repeat the same exercise on the left side for 10 reps.
Waist Twists (20 reps)
Focus on engaging your abdominal muscles to maximize the impact of this exercise on your waist. Twist your upper body from side to side in a controlled manner for 20 repetitions.
Concentrate on engaging your core to feel the burn in your waist.
Leg Raises (10 reps)
This exercise targets the lower abdominal muscles. As you lift your legs, focus on contracting your lower abdominals to stabilize your body.
Target your lower abdominals with this leg-raising exercise.
Right-Side Plank (10 reps)
While a traditional plank targets multiple muscle groups, this variation specifically works your obliques and waist. By lifting and lowering your hips, you’ll feel the burn in your waist and notice improved definition over time.
This plank variation targets your obliques and waist, helping to sculpt your midsection.
Left-Side Plank (10 reps)
Switch sides and perform 10 reps of the left-side plank.
Leg Raises with Crossed Legs (15 reps)
Cross your legs and engage your core to stabilize your body. You’ll feel the burn in your lower abdomen as you maintain this position. Consistent practice of this exercise will lead to noticeable changes in your midsection.
