To lose the belly pooch, you need to understand how our belly looks like. Many people make the common mistake of trying to flatten the tummy by doing 100 crunches or 200 sit ups. However, these workouts are not effective in burning the fatty top layer of the belly. In order to lose that belly pooch, a two prong approach is essential.
You need to first work on thinning the outer layer
You need to then work on toning the inner layer
THINNING THE OUTER LAYER
You can achieve this in 3 ways.
#1: Create a calorie deficit in your diet
Firstly, calculate your estimated required calories using http://www.calculator.net/calorie-calculator.html. Based on your estimated required calories, cut back on 200- 300 calories to create a calorie deficit. When your body senses a calorie deficit, it will use start burning the excess fats in your body to produce energy. However, while you are at it, it is important to ensure you still maintain a well-rounded and nutritious diet. Another simple rule of thumb to cut back on calories is to avoid processed, salt and sugary food.
#2: Maintain a good posture
Keeping a good posture requires you to use your core. To ensure your posture is correct, try this exercise. Raise both hands straight above your head. Stretch as high as you can as though someone is pulling you up. At the same time, contract your tummy in. Release your hands to your side. The tight feeling in your core is the correct posture you should maintain at all times, whether you are standing or sitting.
#3: Tummy Pull in Drill
While keeping the good posture, you can also practise the tummy pull in drill at regular intervals of the day. To do this, first breathe in to fill your tummy with air. Then, exhale the air slowly in 10 counts while slowly pulling your tummy in as much as you can. Hold for another 10 counts. Release and repeat for 10 times. You can do this drill as many as in a day as you can. This helps to strengthen your abs muscles and facilitate fat burning in your tummy area.
#4: Cardio or HITT workout
Commit yourself to a 10mins workout every alternate day to speed up the fat burning process. I have found that the best way to burn belly fats is not going to the gym and running on the treadmill. It is a series of exercises consisting of the following. The beauty is the series of exercises below only takes you 10 minutes to complete and beats running in on the treadmill for an hour!
10 Minutes Super Effective Fat Burning Workout
TONING THE INNER LAYER
Commit yourself to doing these 3 simple workouts daily
- Leg wheels
Lie down on a mat, with back flat down. Raise both legs to about 50-70 degree from the ground. Circle both legs slowly in the clockwise direction for 12 counts. Then continue in the anti-clockwise direction for another 12 counts. Lastly, bend both legs and hold them near to your tummy while flexing your abs for 12 counts.
- Bend - Lift with a straight back
Open legs hip width apart
Bend knees slightly
Place hands behind your head
Elevate your upper body while keeping your back nice and straight
Bring it down again until your body is parallel to the floor
Do this for 12 counts
- Bend - Sway with a straight back
Open legs hip width apart
Bend knees slightly
Place hands behind your head
Sway left and right for 12 counts
I promise you. If you are consistent in making these habits a part of your daily life, you will find yourself saying goodbye to that belly pooch in no time!
