One of the most common questions I get asked is do crunches burn belly fat. As the warm summer months kick in, and vacations are on our minds, most of strive for a flat and defined stomach.
Toned abs have literally become the symbol of health and fitness for years, while most of us strive for a defined set of abs, it’s often misunderstood how to achieve such a look.
Im here to share with you how to effectively and quickly burn belly fat, and achieve that awesome six pack you’ve always wanted!
How Are Your Abdominal Muscles Made Up?
It’s important to understand the muscles that make up your abs when working out. This will help you to target each muscle for maximum calorie burn and definition.
There are four main abdominal muscles:
- Rectus abdominis – you can achieve this with planks, crunches, shoulder taps and leg lifts.
- Transverse abdominis – This is the deepest muscle, pilates is best for this muscle.
- External oblique– you can achieve this with side crunches and the bicycle crunch.
- Internal oblique – Try adding Russian twists, side bends, or standing wood chops.
Although crunches can help you achieve muscle tone and fat loss in the abdominis, Its also important to add other core exercises to target the whole core.
Benefits for strengthening your core
- Improves balance and stability.
- Helps to reduce injury when working out.
- You can lift more weight with a strong core.
- Better posture.
- Enhance athletic performance.
- Run faster.
- Prevent back pain.
- Improve breathing
- Protects your internal organs.
Do crunches burn belly fat
So, do crunches burn belly fat? Sadly, there is no such thing as ‘targeted fat loss’, which refers to the common myth that you can target a specific area for weight loss i.e your belly. It’s important to include crunches and other core exercises in your workouts to develop stomach definition and strength, along with cardio and a healthy diet.
The good news? I’ve put together a simple training plan, so you can train your endurance for maximum calorie burn, and define your abs…. At the same time!
The best cardio and core combinations
Here you will find my top exercises to add to your workout plan, this will increase your heart rate, strengthen different muscle groups for maximum calorie burn, tone and burn belly fat.
Mountain climbers – This will tone your core, strengthen your legs and shoulders, while lifting your heart rate for calorie burn.
On the spot Sprinting – your body naturally engages your core when you run, and raise your heart rate to burn calories.
Tuck Jumps – This is almost like a jumping crunch, with added cardio.
High Knees – great for burning fat and core activation.
Bear Crawl – Great for upper body strength and core activation.
Burpees: Full body toning workout, and enhance your endurance.
Plank Jacks – A plank for your core, and jacks for the cardio element.
Jumping lunges – A normal lunge, but as you change legs, lift your body off the floor for maximum fat burn, while toning your abs and legs.
Do crunches burn belly fat?– Cardio Workout For Abs Fitness plan(1)
- To begin, choose 3 cardio and core exercises. Eg. High knees, jumping lunges, mountain climbers.
- Complete each move 4 times, for 30 seconds, then take 20 seconds off.
- Repeat 5 times.
Cardio Workout For Abs fitness plan(2)
- To begin, choose 4 cardio and core exercises. For example;
- Burpees – 3×8
- Sprint – 3×30 seconds, 10 seconds off.
- Mountain climbers – 3×30
- Complete each move 3 times.
Do crunches burn belly fat?
Crunches alone are not enough to burn belly fat. However, they are excellent at toning and shaping your abdominal muscles. To achieve a flat, toned stomach you need to include crunches with other core strengthening exercises, cardio and most importantly eat a healthy balanced diet. The routines outlined in this article along with healthy eating will shape and tone your abs fast!
Weight training can also be great at burning body fat. Try this workout from home to achieve a leaner, more toned body fast.