How to Whittle Away Your Fat Stomach

Beat the belly blues with a perfectly balanced routine.

The stomach can prove to be a difficult area to get into peak shape, even with regular exercise. To make sure you are addressing all of the problem areas, a good cardiovascular routine that melts calories and fat should be paired with strength training and a balanced diet. According to the Better Health Channel, effective abdominal routines are ones that incorporate exercises to train your core muscle group, rather than standard crunches that target separate muscles. The best results are achieved with a consistent workout schedule at least three days a week.

Things You'll Need

• Workout clothes
• Running shoes
• Medicine ball
• Protein snacks

Instructions

Preparation, Cardio and Toning

1. Prepare for your workout by wearing appropriate clothing that does not restrict your movement. Shoes should be comfortable and supportive for your foot type.

2. Warm your muscles up with some stretches, making sure to do stretches that target the abdominal area.

3. Start at a walking pace on a treadmill or on foot for five minutes. Increase to a brisk walk for the next five minutes. Alternate between a comfortable jogging pace and brisk walking for five minute increments. Walk to warm down for the final five minutes.

4. Sit down holding a medicine ball, then lay flat on your back with your arms stretched out. Return to the seated position, still holding the ball away from your chest. Do this 25 times.

5. Recline slightly from a seated position. Hold the medicine ball close to your chest with your elbows slightly bent. Twist your upper body from left to right, counting each full rotation as one for 25 reps.

6. Put the medicine ball out of reach and get into a plank position. (Lie face down and prop yourself up with just your toes and forearms. Keep your body straight.) Hold the plank position for 30 seconds. Repeat three times.

Diet

1. Eat a protein bar, shake or similarly protein packed snack to rebuild muscles after a workout session.

2. Plan your meals approximately a week in advance to avoid unhealthy last-minute food choices.

3. Incorporate foods that are high in fiber and protein to help give you energy and strength for your routine. Oatmeal, nuts, fish, green leafy vegetables and fruit are a few examples. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and fat.

4. Eat smaller portions five or six times a day to keep your body fueled with energy and prevent bouts of hunger.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you've mastered your routine, switch it up by adding more reps or different exercises. Your body will respond better to variation.

• Always eat a small meal with carbohydrates about an hour before working out.

• If you prefer working out at home, try taking advantage of exercise tutorials online or on DVDs.

• If you're completely unfamiliar with working out, consult a trainer to help you get started. They can help you learn the proper form to get results and avoid painful injuries.

References

• Better Health Channel: Abdominal Muscles
• CBS News: Losing That Stubborn Tummy Fat