Weight loss can be challenging, with many Britons experiencing stubborn fat that refuses to move.
Often this stubborn fat is around the waist, with getting a flat stomach, and abs, often a body goal.
Talking to the Express.co.uk, celebrity trainer Cecilia Harris revealed the best exercises to get a flat stomach.
These exercises blast belly fat and can help shape those desirable stomach muscles.
Cecilia, who trains fitness mogul Lucy Mecklenburg, revealed her top tips for getting rid of stubborn fat around the middle.
Branch out from crunches
“We all want a toned, flat stomach. No surprise there,” states the trainer, “but let’s be clear, abs are made in the kitchen, so it’s very important to get your nutrition right and eat a varied diet of healthy foods.”
“Many of us still rely on crunches to get toned, flat abs but what a lot of people don’t realise is that crunching is not the most effective ab workout.
“Crunches work only the muscles on the front and sides of your abdomen, but it’s important to target all the muscles of the core to get more defined abs—including lower back, hips, and upper thighs.”
The best abs exercises
Side Plank
According to Cecilia, “This move is more challenging than a traditional plank because you’re supporting your entire body weight on two points of contact instead of four.”
As a result, you must work your core harder to stay stabilised.
Alligator drag
Another exercise endorsed by the fitness expert is the alligator drag. “This plank uses your entire core to keep your body stabilised and burns additional calories by adding movement (dragging yourself along the floor),” she reveals.
It mixes cardio, stability, and strength training to get you fast fat-burning results.
Plank with knee to elbow
These challenging planks work your core, stomach, and back. “In order to maintain proper form, you’ll have to engage all the muscles in your core,” advises the trainer.
Mountain Climbers
Mountain climbers are one of those ab moves that double as cardio. The faster you go, the harder your heart will have to work.
Cecilia adds: “They work your abs by forcing you to engage your core in the plank position.
“You’ll see that you need to tighten your middle to perform this move correctly. Mountain climbers work your lower abs, as well as your shoulders and quadriceps.”
Leg Lifts
“The thing with leg lifts is that they’re deceptively simple,” she reveals.
“The first few reps won’t feel like much, but your abs will start to burn by the end of your set. Burn, baby, burn!”
Leg lifts target your lower abs, and one might be able to feel the thighs working to keep the legs straightened out together.
Cecilia recommends including each exercise above in every workout and performing 15 reps and three sets of each.
Yesterday, Cecilia revealed what foods to eat to beat stomach bloating over the winter period.
Cecilia Harris is a personal trainer and co-founder of Results with Lucy. For more information on Results with Lucy and to sign up for your 10-day free trial, visit https://resultswithlucy.com/