7 Simple Exercises to Get a Flat Tummy

Sit-up crunches are one of the most useful exercises for targeting the abdominals. They help strengthen your core and tone your stomach area, making them a must for any workout routine focused on achieving a flat belly.

1. Lie down on the floor in a straight, horizontal position.
2. Place your hands behind your head and lift your head and shoulders up towards the ceiling.
3. Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor.
4. Inhale as you lift up and try to bring your elbows towards your knees.
5. Exhale as you return to the starting position.
6. Repeat this 5 times.

The crunch and twist is a variation that provides a rotational movement toward the traditional crunch. It targets the obliques while toning the sides of your abdomen for a more defined waistline.

1. Lie down on the floor in a straight, horizontal position.
2. Follow the same steps as you did for sit-up crunches: place your hands behind your head and lift your head and shoulders up towards the ceiling. Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor.
3. Inhale as you lift up and try to touch your right elbow with your left knee.
4. Exhale and return to the starting position.
5. Inhale again, lift up, and try to touch your left elbow with your right knee.
6. Exhale and return to the starting position.
7. Repeat this 5 times.

3. Pike and Extend

Pike and extend works your lower abs. The exercise can improve flexibility as it hits your whole core. Moreover, you’ll build strength in your legs and shoulders as you do the pike and extend exercise.

1. Lie down on the floor in a straight, horizontal position.
2. Lift your legs and stretch them towards the ceiling, keeping them at a 180-degree angle.
3. Inhale as you lift up and try to touch your feet with both hands, keeping your knees straight.
4. Exhale and lower your hands back to the floor, maintaining a straight arm position.
5. Slowly lower your legs back to the floor.
6. Repeat this 5 times.

Side crunches mainly hit the obliques, so they are beneficial for losing those cute little love handles around the waistline and maintaining good posture.

1. Stand straight with your body aligned vertically.
2. Lift your left leg out to the side and try to touch your left elbow to your left knee.
3. Repeat the same movement on the right side, lifting your right leg and touching your right elbow to your right knee.
4. Alternate between sides and repeat 10 times.

The side plank is an exercise that strengthens the obliques and improves the general stability of the core. It also engages the shoulders, arms, and glutes, making it a full-body exercise that works the waist.

1. Press your right hand and right leg firmly into the ground.
2. Lift your hips and chest off the ground, creating a bridge with your body.
3. Extend your left hand straight into the air.
4. Hold this position for 60 seconds.
5. Repeat this 10 times.

The boat pose is a yoga-inspired exercise that strengthens the entire core, focusing on the abs, obliques, and hip flexors. It also helps improve balance and stability.

1. Lie down on the mat with your legs straight and your body at a 90-degree angle.
2. Lift your legs upward and extend your arms to form a 90-degree angle with your body.
3. Bend your upper body towards your legs, creating a ‘V’ position with your legs and upper body.
4. Take a deep breath and hold this position for 60 seconds.
5. Repeat this 5 times.

Hip lifts work the lower abs and also recruit the glutes and lower back. This exercise tones the stomach and strengthens the entire core.

1. Lie down on the floor mat with your arms at your sides.
2. Keep your body in a straight line, with your back touching the ground.
3. Place your palms facing down and lift both legs to a 90-degree angle.
4. Try to stretch your legs toward the ceiling, lifting your hips off the floor.
5. Then, slowly return to the starting position.
6. Repeat this 15 times.

Also, Read: Unlock Your Exercise Potential: The Top 5 EAA Supplements for Optimal Performance

Conclusion

Incorporate these simple exercises into your routine to effectively reduce belly fat. Pair them with a healthy diet. Avoid unhealthy foods like oily and sugary foods to see the best results. 

Remember not to overdo it when starting out. Begin with manageable exercises and gradually increase the intensity and duration as your strength and stamina improve. Consistency, patience, and proper approaches will lead you to a healthier and leaner body over time.

• Dec 2015
  Written by Shaveta Kandhari
• Feb 2025
  Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri