Do These 5-Minute Exercises for a Flatter Stomach Fast
Contrary to popular opinion, doing hardcore cardio actually isn't the best way to lose fat and get a flatter stomach. That's right: You don't have to grind away for hours on a treadmill, a Peloton bike, or an elliptical in order to achieve your fat-loss goals. My job is to help busy clients lose fat efficiently, and I always prefer the best bang for your buck when exercising for a lean figure.
Do you know what the most underrated fat burner is at your gym? It's the kettlebell. You can create a chain of basic movements that, when performed correctly, will torch fat and help you get a flatter stomach. (One caveat: Your diet needs to be on point, of course. If you have any questions regarding your diet as it pertains to fat loss, I'd like to direct your attention here.)
Now, a great way to do kettlebell conditioning exercises is to set a timer and a rep scheme, and then perform as many sets as you can. This HIIT-style training elevates your heart rate, improves your strength endurance, and will also give you a great cardio workout. Oh, and it also burns fat. So set a timer for 5 minutes and perform as many sets and reps as possible. If you want a real challenge, perform each exercise back-to-back as a circuit fashion for 5 minutes and repeat for another 3-4 sets. And for more great exercise tips you can use, see here for The 30-Second Trick for Losing More Weight While Walking.
Kettlebell Swings x 15 reps
Start by lining up the kettlebell about two feet away from you. Push your hips back, keep your chest tall, and reach for the handle with both hands. Tighten your core and pull the bell towards you before snapping your hips forward and squeezing your glutes as hard as you can at the top.
Swing the kettlebell until it's parallel with the floor. After your swing it, keep your core tight and use your lats to pull the kettlebell back. Keeping your knees slightly bent, pull the bell back between your legs and hip hinge back before popping them forward for another rep. And for more exercise routines to try, don't miss the 3 Workouts Proven to Change Your Body Shape.
Kettlebell Push Press x 6 reps (each arm)
Begin by holding the kettlebell with one arm racked on your forearm at shoulder height. Keeping your core tight, dip into a quarter squat. Explode up and use the momentum to press the weight up over your head. Lower under control back into starting position before performing another rep. Finish all the prescribed reps before switching arms.
Kettlebell Goblet Squat + Reverse Curl x 6-8 reps
Start the exercise by holding the kettlebell by the handles close to your chest. Brace your abs, squat down until your hips are parallel to the floor. Maintain tension in your whole body and proceed to reverse curl the weight down towards the ground. Curl the weight back up to your chest, flexing your biceps, and stand back up.
Kettlebell Reverse Lunges x 8 reps (each leg)
Grab the kettlebell either by the handles or from the bottom and hold it in front of your chest. Keeping your core tight, take one foot and step back. Plant the foot firmly and lower yourself under control until the back knee touches the ground. Drive through your front heel, flexing your glute and quad to return back to starting position. Perform all of the prescribed reps before switching legs. And for more great workout advice, see why Science Says This Is the Single Best Abs Exercise You Can Do.
