7 Proven Exercises to Target and Reduce Belly Fat Effectively

Summer means swimsuit season, and it's time to shed those stubborn belly rolls for a toned midsection.

Achieving visible abs requires a balanced diet paired with targeted exercises performed consistently. As fitness professionals recommend, these movements focus on the core to help burn abdominal fat efficiently.

We've curated 7 straightforward exercises that anyone can do at home. Perform them several times a week for noticeable results.

Contents

• 1. Knee raises
• 2. Leg raises
• 3. Scissors
• 4. Plank
• 5. Cross Crunch
• 6. Crossed bikes
• 7. Russian towers
• Result

1. Knee raises

Lie on your back with feet near your buttocks, knees bent. Lift your feet off the ground, keeping knees bent, and cross your ankles. Extend arms behind your head, then bring them forward while lifting your chest toward your knees. Build up to 30 reps if needed, starting at 10 or 20.

Perform 30 reps

2. Leg raises

This move strengthens the lower abs. Lie on your back, arms at your sides, head on the floor. Keep legs straight and lift them as high as comfortable without arching your back—keep it flat to avoid strain. Gradually increase height as you progress.

Perform 20 reps

3. Scissors

A great full-rectus ab workout. Lie on your back, arms at sides. Slowly alternate lifting one leg then the other, controlling the descent. Bend the non-lifting leg if your back arches.

Perform 30 reps

4. Plank

One of the best core builders, engaging multiple muscles. Position like a forearm push-up: elbows under shoulders, body straight from head to heels on forearms and toes. Modify on knees if needed. Avoid sagging or piking hips.

Hold for 1 minute

5. Cross Crunch

Targets rectus abdominis and obliques for a flat stomach and slim waist. Lie on back, feet near buttocks, knees bent. Hands behind head, lift chest and rotate side to side.

Perform 30 reps

6. Crossed bikes

A challenging, comprehensive oblique exercise. Lie on back, hands behind head. Bend one knee toward chest while twisting opposite elbow toward it; alternate sides.

Perform 20 reps

7. Russian Towers

Ideal for waist slimming. Lie on back, feet near buttocks, knees bent. Lift chest, clasp hands, and rotate torso side to side while keeping feet grounded.

Perform 20 reps

Result

Incorporate these exercises several times weekly alongside a healthy diet for optimal fat loss. Daily practice can yield visible improvements in as little as a week. Combine with proven nutrition tips for faster transformation.