• Published on: Jan 20, 2023
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Secondmedic Expert

Flatten Your Stomach: The Best Exercises For Belly Fat Reduction

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

Belly fat can be a stubborn and unsightly problem for many people, but the good news is that there are exercises that can help target and reduce it. In this blog post, we will discuss the top exercises for belly fat that you can add to your fitness routine to help achieve a flatter stomach.

  1. Crunches: Crunches are a classic exercise for targeting the abdominal muscles. They work by contracting the rectus abdominis, which is the muscle that runs down the front of your stomach. To perform a crunch, lie on your back with your knees bent and your hands behind your head. Slowly lift your shoulders off the floor, then lower them back down. Repeat this movement for several reps.

  2. Planks: Planks are another effective exercise for targeting the abdominal muscles. They work by engaging the transverse abdominis, which is the muscle that wraps around your waist and helps to pull in your stomach. To perform a plank, start in a push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line from head to toe. Hold this position for 30 seconds to a minute, then rest and repeat.

  3. Russian Twists: Russian twists are a great exercise for working the obliques, which are the muscles that run along the sides of your waist. To perform a Russian twist, sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the floor. Hold a weight or a medicine ball with both hands, and twist your torso to the right, then to the left. Repeat this movement for several reps.

  4. Cardio: Cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming, are great for burning calories and reducing overall body fat. This will help to burn fat from the belly area as well.

  5. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a type of cardio that alternates short bursts of intense activity with short periods of rest or low-intensity activity. This type of cardio can be especially effective for burning belly fat.

In addition to these exercises, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and get enough sleep. It is also important to note that spot reduction is not possible, meaning that you can not target a specific area of your body to lose weight, but by following a healthy diet and doing regular exercise you will lose weight all over your body, including belly fat.

In conclusion, belly fat can be a frustrating problem, but there are exercises that can help target and reduce it. Incorporating crunches, planks, Russian twists, cardio, and HIIT into your fitness routine can help you achieve a flatter stomach. Remember to also maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and consult a doctor or a personal trainer before starting any exercise program.

more

  1. Bicycle Crunches: Bicycle crunches are a variation of the classic crunch that also works the obliques. To perform a bicycle crunch, lie on your back with your knees bent and your hands behind your head. Bring your right elbow towards your left knee as you straighten your right leg. Then, switch sides and bring your left elbow towards your right knee as you straighten your left leg. Repeat this movement for several reps.

  2. Leg Raises: Leg raises are an effective exercise for targeting the lower abdominal muscles. To perform a leg raise, lie on your back with your hands at your sides. Slowly lift your legs off the floor and raise them towards the ceiling. Lower your legs back down and repeat for several reps.

  3. Burpees: Burpees are a full-body exercise that can also be effective for burning belly fat. To perform a burpee, start in a standing position, then drop down into a squat and place your hands on the ground. Kick your feet back into a push-up position, then jump your feet back up to the squat position. Stand up and repeat for several reps.

  4. Side Planks: Side planks are a variation of the traditional plank that targets the obliques. To perform a side plank, start in a plank position on your right side, with your right elbow directly under your shoulder and your feet stacked. Hold this position for 30 seconds to a minute, then switch sides.

  5. Jumping Jacks: Jumping jacks are a classic cardio exercise that can be effective for burning belly fat. To perform a jumping jack, stand with your feet together and your arms at your sides. Jump and spread your feet out to the sides as you raise your arms above your head. Jump back to the starting position and repeat for several reps.

It is important to remember that in order to see results, consistency is key. Stick to a regular exercise routine and combine it with a healthy diet and enough sleep, this will help you lose belly fat over time. Additionally, it's recommended to consult a doctor or a personal trainer for guidance and to make sure your exercise routine is safe and appropriate for you.

Read Blog
meetings

Walking Meetings via Voice Chat: A Smarter Way to Boost Health and Productivity in Remote Teams

Remote work has transformed how teams collaborate, but it has also increased sedentary behaviour. Long hours of sitting in front of screens contribute to fatigue, musculoskeletal pain and reduced mental focus. In this context, walking meetings conducted via voice chat have emerged as a simple yet effective corporate wellness practice that aligns productivity with health.

Walking meetings do not require additional time, special equipment or complex planning. They simply reimagine how meetings are conducted.

 

The Sedentary Challenge in Remote Work

According to WHO and ICMR data:

  • prolonged sitting increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and musculoskeletal problems

  • remote employees often sit longer than office-based workers

  • screen fatigue negatively affects mental health and productivity

Traditional video meetings unintentionally reinforce inactivity.

 

What Are Walking Meetings?

Walking meetings are conversations held while participants walk instead of sitting.

In remote settings, these meetings:

  • are conducted via voice calls

  • eliminate the need for video screens

  • allow participants to move freely

They are ideal for one-on-one discussions, team check-ins and brainstorming sessions.

 

Why Voice Chat Works Best for Walking Meetings

Voice-only meetings:

  • reduce screen dependency

  • allow safer movement

  • encourage active listening

Without visual distractions, participants often engage more deeply in conversation.

 

Health Benefits of Walking Meetings

Reduced Sedentary Time

Even short walks help:

  • improve blood circulation

  • reduce stiffness

  • activate muscles

WHO recommends breaking prolonged sitting every 30–60 minutes.

 

Cardiovascular Support

Regular walking:

  • improves heart health

  • lowers blood pressure

  • supports metabolic health

Incorporating movement into meetings contributes to daily activity goals.

 

Musculoskeletal Relief

Walking reduces:

  • neck and back strain

  • shoulder tension

  • joint stiffness

This is particularly valuable for desk-bound employees.

 

Mental Health and Cognitive Benefits

Improved Focus and Creativity

Movement increases blood flow to the brain.

Studies cited by Lancet show that walking enhances:

  • problem-solving

  • creativity

  • memory recall

Many people report clearer thinking during walking discussions.

 

Stress Reduction

Walking helps:

  • lower cortisol levels

  • improve mood

  • reduce mental fatigue

This supports emotional wellbeing in high-pressure work environments.

 

Productivity Benefits for Organisations

Walking meetings:

  • reduce meeting fatigue

  • improve engagement

  • shorten meeting duration due to focused discussion

Employees often return to tasks feeling refreshed rather than drained.

 

Cultural Shift Toward Wellness-Oriented Work

Encouraging walking meetings signals:

  • trust in employees

  • commitment to wellbeing

  • flexibility in work culture

This improves morale and retention.

 

How to Implement Walking Meetings in Remote Teams

Simple steps include:

  • designating certain meetings as “audio-only”

  • encouraging participants to walk indoors or outdoors

  • keeping meetings concise

  • sharing agendas in advance

Clear guidelines ensure safety and effectiveness.

 

Safety and Practical Considerations

Best practices include:

  • avoiding walking in unsafe or crowded areas

  • using earphones for clarity

  • walking at a comfortable pace

  • pausing movement when taking notes

Inclusivity is important—walking should be optional, not mandatory.

 

Who Benefits Most from Walking Meetings?

Walking meetings are especially helpful for:

  • remote workers

  • hybrid teams

  • roles with frequent discussions

  • employees experiencing screen fatigue

They are less suitable for data-heavy presentations.

 

Walking Meetings as Part of Corporate Wellness Programs

Walking meetings complement:

  • ergonomics initiatives

  • mental health programs

  • physical activity challenges

They integrate wellness into daily workflows rather than adding extra tasks.

 

Long-Term Impact on Workplace Health

Over time, organisations adopting movement-friendly practices observe:

  • reduced burnout

  • improved energy levels

  • healthier work routines

Preventive health strategies are most effective when embedded into daily habits.

 

Role of Preventive Healthcare Awareness

NITI Aayog and WHO emphasise lifestyle modification as a core preventive health strategy.

Walking meetings align perfectly with this approach by:

  • reducing inactivity

  • promoting movement

  • supporting mental wellbeing

Small changes deliver cumulative benefits.

 

Conclusion

Walking meetings conducted via voice chat are a practical, low-cost and highly effective way to improve employee health and productivity in remote teams. By replacing sedentary meetings with movement-based conversations, organisations can reduce screen fatigue, enhance focus and support long-term wellbeing. In a remote-first world, walking meetings represent a smarter way to work—where productivity and health move forward together.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle and Non-Communicable Disease Reports
  • Lancet – Physical Activity, Cognition and Workplace Health Studies

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic