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Learn a trick to slim your belly that's even more effective than sit-ups

2026-02-09 11:32:20 · · #1

If you've been doing traditional sit-ups, and you're already going as fast as you can, let's face it, it's not working because it's strengthening the wrong abdominal muscles.

Fortunately, a fitness scientist at San Diego State University tested the effectiveness of thirteen of the most popular abdominal exercises and identified four of the most effective "belly fat killers." For best results, these four exercises should be done three sets daily, with each set lasting fifteen minutes.

Cycling exercise:

Simply lie on the floor and pretend to pedal an imaginary bicycle. The correct movement is to press your lower back firmly into the floor and place your hands behind your head. Raise your knees to a 45-degree angle and pedal with both feet, touching your left ankle to your right knee, then touching your left knee with your right ankle.

Knee raise exercise:

Find a sturdy chair and sit on its edge with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Tighten your abdominal muscles and lean back slightly, lifting your feet a few centimeters off the ground. Maintaining a stable position, pull your knees towards your chest while bending your upper body forward. Then return your feet to the starting position and repeat.

Arm sit-ups:

Lie down with your knees bent and feet together, hooked against the headboard. Wrap a towel around your neck from behind, holding one end in each hand. Contract your abdominal muscles, lift your shoulders, and slowly curl your back up, then slowly arch your back until you almost touch the floor. Continue lifting yourself up, repeating this motion. If you find it too difficult, simply lift your upper body off the floor.

Ball lifting sport:

Lie on your back with a tennis ball in your hand. Raise your arms towards the ceiling, legs straight and together, feet flexed upwards. Tighten your abdominal and gluteal muscles, lifting your shoulders and head a few centimeters off the ground. Make sure the ball is always heading upwards towards the ceiling, not forwards.

Your goal is to sweat. All aerobic exercise aims to make you sweat. If you're not sweating, it means you're not working hard enough. The more accurate your form, the faster you'll sweat. This might make you as red as a tomato, but it's definitely good for your health, so keep trying!

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