Belly fat can be stubborn and hard to get rid of, but don’t worry, there are exercises that can help you slim down. Colin Morrow, a fitness expert, is here to share some effective workouts that will help you burn calories and target that pesky belly fat.

Having excess belly fat is not just a matter of aesthetics; it can also impact your health. Most belly fat is subcutaneous, located just beneath the skin, but some of it is visceral fat, which surrounds your internal organs and can lead to serious health issues like cancer, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and dementia.

If you’re looking to reduce belly fat, incorporating exercise into your routine is crucial. It is recommended to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily, with the morning being an ideal time for it. This regular physical activity can help shrink your waistline and improve your overall health.

Why Morning Exercise Matters

Every little bit helps when it comes to burning fat and slimming down. Colin suggests working out in the AM—for good reason.

“Your metabolism is primed after an overnight fast. A quick morning core session not only kicks your calorie burn into high gear but also “wakes up” the muscles you’ll use all day,” Colin explains, adding, “If you can handle it, do these fasted, you’ll accelerate fat mobilization. If you need a little fuel, a small protein shake or banana 15 minutes before works great.”

So without further ado, set your alarm clock for an early start in the morning; it’s time to be proactive! Colin outlines the best exercises to melt belly fat all day long.

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This is the routine you should do most days every week. Carve out approximately 10 to 12 minutes to complete it, and perform each move at a moderate to brisk pace, “enough to feel your core and lungs engaged but not so intense you’re gasping before breakfast,” Colin says.

Standing March and Reach

1. Stand tall with your feet planted hip-width.
2. Lift your left knee up to hip height and reach your right arm overhead.
3. Return to the start position.
4. Repeat on the opposite side, continuing to march.

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Windmill Stretch Into Reach

1. Stand tall with your feet planted just outside shoulder-width.
2. Hold a light weight overhead in your right hand with your arm completely straight.
3. Allow your left arm to hang down toward your left leg.
4. Press your hips back and gradually rotate your torso.
5. Reach your left hand toward your left foot.
6. Gaze up at the weight overhead.
7. Press through your hips to stand.
8. Switch sides.

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Rotational Overhead Band Press

1. Anchor a resistance band at chest level.
2. Take hold of the end with both hands, taking a perpendicular stance to the anchor point.
3. Hold the band by your chest with bent elbows and feet shoulder-distance apart.
4. Rotate your torso toward the anchor point.
5. Use control to rotate back toward the center.
6. Press the band overhead as you extend your arms.
7. Lower the resistance band to chest level.

Alternating Standing Knee-Drive

1. Stand tall with your feet placed hip-distance apart.
2. Hold a set of light dumbbells at chest level or at your sides.
3. Drive your left knee to your chest, keeping your core activated.
4. Lower with control.
5. Drive your right knee to your chest.
6. Continue alternating knee drives.

Tall Plank To Standing

1. Begin in a high plank with hands under your shoulders and your body forming a straight line.
2. Bring one foot forward, then the next, to assume a deep squat position.
3. Stand tall, reaching both arms overhead.
4. Reverse the motion.

Alexa Mellardo