Carrying excess weight in your belly can increase your risk of developing health problems such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance and high cholesterol, according to the Harvard Medical School. Exercise helps you lose belly fat more rapidly -- and keep it off. You must reduce overall body weight to lose belly fat.
Running
Running is a form of cardiovascular exercise that involves repetitive movement of your arms and legs. It elevates your heart rate and burns calories. To increase the caloric expenditure even more, perform interval training, which is a workout where you alternate back and forth from a high to low intensity. This burns more calories during your training session and forces you to contract your abs to generate power.
Biking
Biking is a low-impact form of cardio that also elevates your heart rate and burns calories. Upright exercise bikes have small seats with the pedals beneath you. Recumbent exercise bikes have bucket seats with pedals out in front of your body. Choose the recumbent style if you have lower-back pain. Both styles have a resistance adjustment. By pedaling with the resistance turned up, you will be forced to contract your abs with more emphasis.
Swimming
Swimming is a nonimpact form of cardio that tones muscles and burns calories simultaneously. As an added benefit, you have to forcefully engage your abs as you move through the water. If you like a group atmosphere, attend water aerobics classes where exercises are performed underwater with special weights and body weight.
Burpees
A burpee is a high-intensity exercise that works your abs, chest, legs and shoulders while burning a high amount of calories. Stand with your feet about hip-width apart and rest your arms at your sides. Quickly lower yourself into a deep squat and place your hands on the floor. Kick your legs behind your body, land on your toes and maintain tight abs as you perform a pushup. Quickly jump back to the starting position and leap into the air with all your might. As you do this, clap your hands together above your head. Once your feet land back on the ground, repeat the whole movement.
Switch Leg Leaps
Switch leg leaps quickly raise your heart rate and force you to contract your abs. You need a weight bench or aerobic step stacked up on risers. Stand behind the bench with your right foot planted on top and left foot on the floor. Step down on the bench and forcefully thrust your body into the air. Quickly switch your leg position and land with your left foot on the bench and right foot on the floor. Hop back in the air, switch your legs again and continue to alternate back and forth in a fast motion.
