Best exercises to burn belly fat, trim your waistline

Best exercises to burn belly fat: Bicycle crunches are great for targeting the rectus abdominals (the "six-pack" muscles) and obliques, helping to tone your waistline (Image: Canva)

Do your mornings start with a bit of bloating, and by the end of the day, your waistline feels tighter, leaving you frustrated and unsure of what to do next? Even though you are mindful of what you eat and stay somewhat active, the mirror shows a stubborn belly fat that just won’t go away.

Stubborn belly fat can be attributed to several factors including hormonal changes, excessive calorie intake, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, and poor sleep. While some are within your control, others might be harder to manage.

Here are 6 easy workouts to cut that stubborn belly fat:

Planks: Planks are a simple yet highly effective exercise for strengthening your core. They engage multiple muscle groups, including your abdominals, back, and shoulders. Start by lying face down on the floor. Lift your body onto your forearms and toes, keeping your body in a straight line from head to heels. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds. Repeat 3-4 times.

Bicycle crunches: Bicycle crunches are great for targeting the rectus abdominals (the "six-pack" muscles) and obliques, helping to tone your waistline. Lie on your back with your hands behind your head. Lift your legs into a tabletop position. As you crunch up, twist your body to bring your right elbow towards your left knee while extending your right leg out straight. Switch sides and repeat. Do 15-20 reps per side.

Mountain climbers: Mountain climbers are a dynamic exercise that combines cardio with core strengthening, making it effective for burning fat and toning your midsection. Start in a plank position. Quickly alternate bringing your knees towards your chest, as if you’re "climbing" on the floor. Continue this movement for 30-60 seconds. Repeat 3-4 times.

Russian twists: Russian twists work the obliques and are excellent for trimming the sides of your waist. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat. Lean back slightly and hold a weight (or just clasp your hands together). Twist your torso to the right, then to the left, keeping your core engaged. Do 15-20 twists on each side.

Leg raises: Leg raises target the lower abdominal muscles, which are often the hardest to reach. Lie flat on your back with your legs straight. Slowly lift your legs until they are perpendicular to the floor, then lower them back down without touching the ground. Repeat 10-15 times.

Walking or jogging: It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to burn calories and reduce body fat, including belly fat. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking or light jogging 4-5 times a week. This will help increase your metabolism and burn stubborn fat.