Technological advances has made the lives of working people much easier to the extent that don’t have to go out of their homes but just to log on to a network. Through the internet and mobile systems, majority of white collar jobs are made accessible almost without the need of getting up their couches. In exchange for a much easier lifestyle, it has also given rise to a sedentary lifestyle. An inactive lifestyle with the absence of much needed exercises has also propagated a number of health-related discomforts.
A “pot belly”, “beer belly”, or “apple shaped” figure is most associated with an inactive lifestyle combined with overeating, and has been strongly correlated to the risk for cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and myocardial ischemia, as well as insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Recent studies have shown that reducing the amount of belly fat can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring these life-threatening diseases. Although there are numerous ways to reduce the amount of fat in the stomach area, the top five belly fat exercises and stomach-busting measures are enumerated and discussed herein.
1. Exercises for the heart Proven and tested to be effective-that’s the best way to define it! Sit-ups and crunches may make your abdominal muscles tighter but unless you get rid of the exterior flab, will you really see your abs. It’s amazing that even a 20-minute daily cardiovascular exercise has been proven by researchers to be effective in burning calories and melting down fats. Among the activities which can amazingly trim down stubborn stomach and melt most body fats are jogging, running, cycling, swimming, aerobics, jumping rope, and dancing.
2. Strength-training sessions Once you have rid yourself of the surface fat, regular strengthening exercises can help you lose those remaining flab from your waist area. This is the part where targeted belly fat exercises come in. Abdominal crunches, stomach twisting, hip raise, leg lifts, air cycling, reverse crunches, and hanging leg raise are just some of the “spot exercises” that one can do to really define those abdominal muscles.
3. Learn to relax. Scientists have recently studied the effects that stress has on body fat and has found a direct correlation between the two. Cortisol levels in the blood are found to be elevated when the body is exposed to stress and this then produces insulin resistance, causing a craving for fats and sugary food. Instead of worrying, why not try to read a book, listen to soothing music, or do yoga.
No 4. It’s time to listen to those ads saying: ‘Cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health’ and ‘Drink moderately’. Did you know that nicotine and alcohol are major stressors to the body, thus increasing hormone cortisol levels.
No 5. Carbohydrates is the body’s major source of energy and are easily broken down to glucose, which fuels the body. These kinds of foods are often sweet and are so easily digested and causes hunger after a short time of food consumption. On the other hand, proteins which are commonly taken from meat products are not easily processed, resulting to a decreased food intake. Aside from these, it is also recommended to drink about 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day in addition to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Here are more exercises to get rid of belly fat and exercises to get rid of man boobs.