Tightening and toning your stomach can be a pretty frustrating process, and for good reason. Visceral fat is nicknamed “active fat” because it affects how your body functions. The stomach is an area that usually needs a little more attention when it comes to spending time at the gym. Fear not, however, because we have done research and are here with the best core sculpting tools exercises to tighten your tummy.
“Using a mix of exercises targeting the upper, lower and oblique abdominals, you will ensure that no core muscle is left untrained. This can help you develop a toned, strong and balanced core with regular training” , explain Matt DustinCertified Precision Nutrition Coach and NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist at Garage Gym Reviews.
If you’re new to basic training, Dustin recommends starting slowly and giving your body plenty of time to recover. Start with three days a week with at least one day of rest between ab workouts. “This will strengthen your core muscles, although visible results can only be achieved with a decrease [body fat levels]”, Dustin tells us. “Yes [you carry] Excess weight around your stomach, you will notice the best visual improvements by combining abdominal exercises with a proper exercise and nutrition plan to reduce body fat.
Now let’s move on to the best bodybuilding exercises to firm your stomach, according to fitness professionals.
The exercises
Plank

“The plank strengthens the entire core, including the transverse abdominal muscles, which wrap around your abdomen like a belt,” Dustin tells us.
- Lie on your stomach.
- Support yourself on your forearms and toes, elbows under your shoulders. Your body should be straight.
- Squeeze your abs and glutes.
- Hold for 30 seconds and repeat for 2 to 3 rounds.
- Rest 2 minutes between rounds.
Crunches


“This classic exercise builds the core muscles, focusing on the middle and upper abs,” says Dustin.
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor.
- Cross your arms in front of your body with each hand on the opposite shoulder. You can also place them on the back of your head.
- Brace while keeping your feet on the ground, tightening your abs as you do so.
- Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.
Reverse crunches


- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- Place your arms at your sides, palms down.
- Tighten your lower abs and curl your knees up to your chest.
- Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.
Leg raises


“The leg raise focuses heavily on the hip flexors and lower abdominal muscles,” says Dustin.
- Start lying on your back with your legs stretched out in front of you.
- Place your hands under your lower back.
- Raise your legs so they form a 90-degree angle with your torso.
- Lower your legs to the floor.
- Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.
Cable cut


“The cable cutter is a rotational movement that targets the obliques,” Rosie Borcherta certified personal trainer at BarBend, tells us.
- Place the arm of a cable machine high and attach a rope or single handle.
- Facing the side of the cable machine and with your hands holding the accessory, pull the cable down and across your body diagonally.
- Rotate your hips and torso as you do this.
- Use the power to chop and bring the handle to the starting position.
Medicine ball slam


- Stand up straight and hold a medicine ball that weighs no more than 10% of your body weight.
- Lift the ball above your head.
- I threw the ball to the ground.
- Catch the ball as it bounces, engaging your core.
Alexa Mellardo
Alexa is the Mind + Body Associate Editor at Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel and bringing readers interesting topics on fitness, wellness, and self-care. Learn more about Alexa
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