The Best Exercises to Do to Get Rid of Muffin Tops
When we think about losing weight, the first things that come to mind are cardio and strength training. Cardio burns fat by accelerating our heart rate and metabolism, while lifting weights builds muscle and helps us burn more calories. However, there’s another area of focus that doesn’t receive nearly enough attention: the core.
Many people overlook how important the core is when it comes to looking great and losing weight. That fast food meal or those bags of chips may be convenient sources of empty calories, but what you might not know is that they can also wreak havoc on your midsection. The muffin top everyone talks about (and dislikes) is caused by having a weak core, which results in excess fat spilling over your belt or your low-rise jeans.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some effective home workouts for strengthening your core and eliminating that muffin top.
What is a muffin top?
Simply put, a muffin top is a slang term for the bulging fat that accumulates around the waistline and spills over the top of your pants or belt.
A muffin top occurs when you have high abdominal fat combined with low muscle mass. This can be caused by a few things, one of them being a weak core. If your core is weak, you will have less control over your posture and abdominal muscles. The result is that you’re forced to hold in your fat, and it becomes forced to push against your belt where you can see it.
Core exercises for a flat belly
While we recommend that you include exercises like crunches or sit-ups in your routine, we also recommend focusing on exercises that target the core. Here are a few popular core exercises that will help you eliminate your muffin top while simultaneously building a strong core:
- Plank
The plank is a staple core exercise that is incredibly effective at strengthening your core. It is also one of the most effective ways to eliminate a muffin top.
The core is made up of several muscles, including the obliques, internal and external abdominal muscles, and the lower back. The plank targets all these muscles while helping you improve posture and reduce back pain.
- Bridge
The bridge is another core exercise that can help you avoid a muffin top. It is considered an advanced core exercise best suited for those comfortable with other core exercises. Bridges also help to improve posture and reduce back pain, making them an excellent choice for those who want to strengthen their core.
- Hand Walk
Hand walks are a more advanced variation of the plank. While planks work almost every abdominal muscle, hand walks are more specific and work your internal obliques, the muscles on the side of your midsection. These are the muscles you use to lift your arm towards your chest.
- Lying Leg Raises
Lying leg raises are an extremely easy core exercise. They’re best suited for beginners and can be done anywhere. Lying leg raises target your abdominal muscles, especially the lower part of your abdominals. They also work your hip flexors and quads. You can do this exercise from a lying position on the floor, from a bed, on a bench, or even from a seated position in a chair.
- Ab Wheel
The ab wheel is a great core exercise that can help you get rid of your muffin top by strengthening your rectus abdominis, the muscle that runs down the front of your abdomen. It also works your oblique muscles, which run on either side of your abdomen.
Ab wheels are great for beginners and people currently experiencing back pain. They are also a great way to start a workout routine, as they do not put any stress or strain on your body.
- Swiss Ball Crunches
Swiss ball crunches are a very effective core exercise that is great for beginners. They also form the foundation for more advanced exercises and are great for building strength and stamina.
- Plank Presses
Plank presses are a combination of two exercises — a plank and push-ups — that work together to give you an amazing physique. They’re best suited for veterans and can be done anywhere since they require no equipment.
Conclusion
Building a strong core is essential to achieving the body you want and deserve. It not only helps you look better but can also help you avoid injury by enabling you to perform other activities more efficiently.
Work with Slim Couture today to achieve your ideal body. We incorporate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices into our weight loss treatments and work with your body’s natural rhythms to help you achieve your desired goal. By targeting key areas of the body and addressing the root cause of weight gain, our program can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Reach out to us today to begin working with one of the best weight loss programs in Singapore!