As a personal trainer, I understand that visceral fat (the fat surrounding your internal organs) can be particularly difficult to lose and harmful to your health. The good news is that high-intensity cardio workouts are among the most effective tools for burning visceral fat and improving overall metabolic health. These workouts not only help you burn calories during the session, but also keep your metabolism high long after it’s over.
When tackling visceral fat, it’s essential to combine powerful efforts with short recovery periods, which high-intensity interval training (HIIT) offers. This approach targets deep abdominal fat stores while improving cardiovascular health and building endurance. Whether you’re an experienced fitness enthusiast or a beginner ready for a challenge, these five high-intensity cardio workouts will help you get results in record time.
Each workout below is designed to push you to your limits while keeping things simple and effective. You don’t need fancy equipment or hours at the gym, just determination and space to move. With consistent effort and proper nutrition, these exercises will help you regain your health and build a leaner, fitter physique.
The workouts
Workout 1: Sprint Intervals
What you need: A flat, open space such as a track, park or treadmill. This workout lasts approximately 20 minutes and provides an incredible fat-burning effect by alternating intense sprints and active recovery.
The routine:
- Sprint – 30 seconds
- Walk or jog – 60 seconds
- Repeat for 8 to 10 rounds
Instructions: Warm up for 5 minutes with light jogging or dynamic stretching. Then, sprint as fast as possible for 30 seconds, followed by a slow walk or jog for 60 seconds. Repeat the cycle 8 to 10 times and finish with a cooldown and stretching.
1. Sprint
Sprinting is one of the most effective exercises for burning visceral fat, combining explosive power and full-body activation. It also strengthens your legs and core while improving cardiovascular fitness.
- Start standing straight with your feet hip-width apart.
- Go for a sprint, bringing your knees up and pumping your arms.
- Maintain your top speed throughout the interval, focusing on good form.
2. Walk or jog
Active recovery helps keep your heart rate in the fat-burning zone while preparing you for the next sprint.
- Slow down and take a brisk walk or light jog.
- Keep moving and breathe deeply to recover.
Workout 2: Burpee Tabata
What you need: This workout requires no equipment and only lasts 4 minutes, but it burns a lot of calories.
The routine:
- Burpees – 20 seconds
- Rest – 10 seconds
- Repeat for 8 rounds
Instructions: Perform as many burpees as possible during the 20-second work bursts, resting 10 seconds between each round. Push yourself to maintain the intensity throughout the 8 rounds.
1. Burpees
This full-body movement combines strength and cardio to maximize fat burning and metabolic impact. It also works your core, chest, shoulders and legs.
- Start standing.
- Squat down and place your hands on the floor.
- Return your feet to plank position.
- Perform a push-up.
- Jump your feet toward your hands.
- Explode upwards in a jump and repeat.
Workout 3: Jump Rope HIIT
What you need: A skipping rope and a stopwatch. This 15-minute workout improves coordination and agility while burning visceral fat.
The routine:
- Jump rope – 40 seconds
- Rest – 20 seconds
- Repeat for 10 rounds
Instructions: Warm up for 3 to 5 minutes by lightly jumping or walking in place. Alternate between intense intervals of jumping rope and rest for 10 rounds. Cool down with stretching.
1. Jump rope
Jumping rope is an effective way to burn calories, increase your heart rate, and engage your core, shoulders, and legs.
- Hold the rope handles with your elbows close to your body.
- Pass the rope over your head and jump when it passes under your feet.
- Land softly and maintain a steady pace.
Workout 4: Stair Climb Intervals
What you need: A staircase or a stadium. This 20-minute workout focuses on explosive power and calorie burning.
The routine:
- Sprint up a flight of stairs – 30 seconds
- Go down the stairs – 60 seconds
- Repeat for 8 to 10 rounds
Instructions: After a 5-minute warm-up, run up the stairs as quickly as possible, then come back down to cool down. Repeat for designated rounds and finish with a cool-down period.
1. Stair Sprint
Climbing stairs works your glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves while increasing your heart rate to burn fat efficiently.
- Start at the bottom of a staircase, leaning forward slightly.
- Explode upwards, taking one or two steps at a time.
- Use your arms to gain momentum and maintain a steady pace.
2. Go down
The recovery phase reduces your heart rate slightly, preparing you for the next effort.
- Go down the stairs carefully and steadily.
- Take the opportunity to catch your breath.
Workout 5: Bodyweight Circuit
What you need: No equipment is needed and this workout takes approximately 15 minutes. It combines several dynamic movements to burn calories and improve overall fitness.
The routine:
- Jump Squats – 3 sets of 12 reps
- Mountain climbers – 3 sets of 30 seconds
- Plank Jacks – 3 sets of 20 reps
Instructions: Perform all three exercises in a circuit with minimal rest between them. Rest for 60 seconds after each round and repeat for 3 rounds total.
1. Jump squats
This plyometric movement burns fat while strengthening your lower body and core.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Lower yourself into a squat, then explode upward, jumping as high as possible.
- Land softly and immediately move on to the next squat.
2. Mountaineers
Mountain climbers elevate your heart rate while engaging your core, shoulders and legs.
- Start in a high plank position with your wrists under your shoulders.
- Drive one knee toward your chest, then quickly switch legs.
- Continue alternating throughout the interval.
3. Board jacks
- This move targets your heart while giving your cardiovascular system a boost.
- Start in a plank position with your feet together.
- Jump your feet wide, then bring them together, like a puppet.
- Maintain a tight core throughout.
Tyler Read, BSc, CPT
Tyler Read is a personal trainer and has been involved in the health and fitness industry for 15 years. Learn more about Tyler
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