03 Jun 4 Ways to Lose Belly Fat
Lose the Belly Fat
If you are like many people who are trying to lose weight and get into shape, you may be feeling a bit frustrated by the extra weight around your mid-section that you just can’t seem to lose. Due to the seemingly stubborn nature of this fat, many people think belly fat is the “hardest” fat to lose. The reality is that this isn’t necessarily the case, but the majority of people pay the most attention to fat in this area, so they become frustrated when it doesn’t go down quickly enough. Nonetheless, whether you are trying to lose a few pounds from your abdomen or you are trying to lose many, there are several things you should keep in mind in order to give yourself the best chance for success.
#1: Remember There is No Such Thing as “Spot” Reduction
Many people who are trying to lose belly fat get caught up in the misconception that it can be whittled away by doing crunches or other exercises that are specific to the abdominal area. This simply isn’t true. While working out your abs will certainly help build up those muscles, the muscle will simply remain lost under the layer of fat until you have successfully rid your body of the excess fat. So, go ahead and do your crunches if you like, but don’t expect them to reduce the size of your belly.
#2: Include Cardio in Your Routine
The single best way to reduce fat is to include some cardio exercises in your regular activities. Joining an aerobics class might help you stay on track with your cardio, but you might also want to consider purchasing a treadmill, elliptical trainer or other cardio machine for use at home. The good news is that you don’t have to get your heart beating to the point that it feels like it is going to burst out of your chest in order to burn fat. Rather, the secret is to work out for longer periods of time. Engaging in cardio for 45 minutes to an hour each time will really go a long way toward burning off the fat.
#3: Lift Weights
Even if you aren’t interested in bulking up your muscles, lifting weights will help tone your muscles and will ultimately help to increase your metabolism. This is partially because your body continues to burn calories more quickly after you finish a workout, but also partially because your body requires more calories to maintain muscle than it does to maintain fat.
#4: Watch Your Diet
Many people mistakenly believe that working out on a regular basis gives them a “free ticket” to eat whatever they want. While you certainly don’t have to starve yourself or cut out all of your favorite foods in order to burn belly fat, paying a little more attention to your diet and making healthier choices will go a long way toward achieving your goals. On average, people need about 2,000 calories per day in order to maintain their current weigh. Try to keep your caloric intake at this level or less each day and try to reduce the amount of junk food you eat and your tummy will thank you.