When you have excess fat on your stomach, you need to consider more than just ab exercises to reduce it. They will definitely create better definition, but they won't do much in the way of reducing your stomach size. Focus your attention on building muscle and doing cardio in addition to ab exercises. By building muscle, you will raise your resting metabolic rate and burn excess calories while at rest. With some exercises, you will work multiple muscles at the same time, including your abs.Running
Running is a free and effective form of cardiovascular exercise that you can do in your neighborhood. After doing a light five-minute warm-up, run as fast as you can for 20 seconds, then jog lightly for 40 seconds. Alternate back and forth for the duration of your workout and finish with a light five-minute cool-down. This is called interval training and it can boost your calorie burning power according to MayoClinic.com.
Elliptical Training
Elliptical machines have movable handles with foot pedals to match. To operate this machine, step on the pedals, grab the poles and move them back and forth in a gliding motion. This type of cardio burns calories while working your arms, legs, back and chest. You also have to contract your abs to remain upright and stable while pushing and pulling.
Spinning
Spinning is a type of cardio done on a stationary bike. This works multiple muscles in your lower body while you keep your abs tight to produce power. If you really want to amp up your caloric expenditure, attend spin classes where you alternate between fast and slow paces throughout. To increase the challenge and work your abs even harder, turn the resistance way up on the bike and stand while pedaling.
Burpees
Burpees are old-school body weight exercises that work your legs, chest, shoulders, triceps and abs while burning calories. They are performed from a standing position with your feet together. Slowly lower yourself down by bending your knees, place your hands on the floor and kick your legs behind your body. Once your toes touch down, keep your abs tight and do a push-up. Quickly hop your feet back forward, jump in the air and extend your arms above your head. As soon as you land, immediately repeat.
Bear Crawls
Bear crawls work your abs, shoulders, chest and legs all at the same time and they are performed from a face-down position. Start out on your hands and knees and lift your knees up so your feet and hands are the only points of contact with the floor. Quickly walk yourself forward on your hands and feet until you get to the other side of the room. Keeping your same body position, walk yourself backward to where you started. For a variation, do bear crawls up a hill.
Mountain Climbers
Mountain climbers work your abs and legs, and they are also known as low runs. These are performed with your hands on the floor and legs in a split stance under your body. Quickly move your feet back and forth in a running motion. When doing this, keep your hips as low as possible and look straight down at the floor in front of you. For a variation, perform this on a slippery floor with your feet on towels. Slide your feet back and forth instead of lifting them up.
