6 Simple Exercises That Will Help You Reduce Belly Fat

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When we try to lose weight, we tend to focus on having a toned, flat stomach first. After all, it is motivating when you find yourself fitting into jeans that didn't fit you in years, and the compliments you get can help you stick to your healthy diet and exercise routines. Also, losing fat around your waist is a certain way to improve your health. According to research, a larger waist size is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

Here are 6 simple exercises that can help you reduce belly fat:

Run on an incline

Running at an incline instead of a flat surface has been proven to increase total calorie burn by as much as 50 percent. Whether you are out on a hill or on an inclined treadmill at the gym, start out walking for five to ten minutes, and then jog. Spend five minutes running and then drop your pace back down to a jog. Continue alternating five to ten minutes of jogging with five to ten minutes of running for thirty to forty-five minutes.

Twist Crunches

Regular crunches are also very good, but once you're familiar with them, you can modify them to a more effective tummy exercise. Twist crunches are similar to your regular crunches. What you have to do is lift the right shoulder towards your left, while keeping the left torso on the ground. Start by doing twist crunches ten times per set. You need to aim for two to three sets of twist crunches in your everyday routine.

Vertical Leg Crunch

Lie flat on a mat or the floor with legs extended upwards to the ceiling and then cross one knee over the other. Breathe in, then lift your upper body towards your pelvis. Breathe out slowly. Do twelve to sixteen crunches for two to three sets.

Bicycle Exercise

Even if you don't have a bicycle, you can still do this particular exercise. Lie on a mat or the floor and keep your hands behind your head or by your side while you're doing crunches. Lift your legs off the ground and bend them at the knees. Bring your right knee close to your chest, keeping your left leg out. Then take your right leg out and bring your left leg close to your chest. Alternate bending your knees as if you are riding a bicycle.

Rolling Plank Exercise

The rolling plank trains the body muscles around your abdomen, hip and lower back. Lie on a mat or the floor with your knees as well as your elbows resting on the ground. Keep your neck aligned with your spine. Look forward. Then lift your knees up and support your legs on your toes. Contract your knees and keep breathing normally. Stay in this position for thirty seconds. Now, start moving to and fro for about thirty seconds.

This is the rolling plank exercise: Lie down on a mat or floor sideways. Support your body on the right elbow and right leg. Your elbow should then be perpendicular to the shoulder and the left leg should be above the right, making sure they are together. Keep your knees straight. Your hips shouldn't be touching the ground. Hold the posture for about thirty seconds. Once you feel comfortable, you can hold the position for about one to two minutes.

Walking