Have you been performing endless sit-ups and sit-ups in hopes of slimming down your waistline and not noticing results? We understand the frustration. Unfortunately, abdominal exercises are not the best movements for get rid of belly fat. Instead, your main focus should be on core stability exercises, such as planks and variations of planks. In honor of that, we’ve selected five of the best plank exercises to help you lose five inches of belly fat. Planks are ultra-effective at helping build your core, which will improve your performance on other strength exercises and allow you to work the muscle Y burn more fat.
Compared to fat in your thighs or hips, having fat in your midsection can pose significant health risks. And no matter what your body shape is; carrying extra fat is simply not healthy. According to Harvard Health Journal, location really is everything when it comes to excess fat. Too belly fat-alias visceral fat—can cause asthma, dementia, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer.
To get that belly of yours back in shape, we are here with some productive suggestions. Although planks alone may not help you lose five inches of belly fat, when combined with a healthy diet and a solid strength-training regimen, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired fat-loss goal. Add the following exercises to your workout soon, and your waistline will be so glad you did! Do them one at a time or consecutively on a giant circuit.
The first of these exercises to lose five inches of belly fat is Plank Touch Reach. To set up, assume a classic push-up with your feet shoulder width apart. Bring one of your hands to the opposite finger. Once you touch your foot, slide back on the board while fully straightening your working arm. Do 3 to 4 sets of 10 reps on one side before switching to the other.
Related: Most recommended exercises to lose 15 pounds in a month
Next, it’s time for Plank Jacks. Get into a push-up position with both feet together. With your hands firmly on the ground, jump both feet out into a wide stance, then bring them in. Make sure to keep your core tight and your back straight throughout the exercise. Keep moving until you complete all reps. Do 3 to 4 sets of 15 to 20 reps.
Related: Best recommended exercises to lose 5 inches of belly fat, says a trainer
Plank to Pushup Begin in a forearm plank position with your back and core tight and your glutes engaged. Push yourself up with one hand, then finish with the other to do a pushup. Return to plank position, and then begin the movement with the other arm, alternating between planks and pushups. Do 3 to 4 sets of 3 to 5 reps for each arm.
Plank Shoulder Taps put you in a push-up position with your shoulders in line with your wrists and your hips high. Keep your core engaged as you take one hand and reach to the opposite shoulder. Touch your shoulder, then return your hand to the starting position and reach with the other. As you perform this movement, keep your glutes tight and your back as straight as possible. Do 3 to 4 sets of 10 reps for each arm.
The Long Lever Plank is the same as a regular plank, but the elbows are further out. This makes the position much more difficult to hold. When performing this exercise, you absolutely need to make sure that your core is tight and your glutes are tight. Keep the tension on your abs the entire time. Aim for 3-4 sets of holding your board for 20-30 seconds.
Tim Liu, CSCS
Tim Liu, CSCS, is an online fitness and nutrition coach based in Los Angeles. Read more about Tim
