The lower abdomen, often referred to as the lower belly “pooch,” can be one of the toughest areas to firm up. This stubborn fat not only causes frustration but can indicate potential health issues. Studies suggest that a larger waistline raises the likelihood of an early death. Thus, adopting healthy habits and optimizing your exercise routine is crucial. To aid in this, we’ve compiled a list of 10 essential exercises aimed at reducing lower belly fat.

Getting rid of belly fat becomes more challenging after the age of 40. According to Denise Chakoian, a certified fitness trainer and owner of Core Cycle and Fitness LaGree in Rhode Island, the body’s metabolism naturally slows down, burning fewer calories. Additionally, hormonal changes during this stage of life lead to more fat storage in the abdominal area.

That’s where regular resistance training comes in handy.

Chakoian emphasizes that “Strength training leads to muscle building, and having more muscle boosts calorie burning even when at rest. While cardio is great for overall fat reduction, it doesn’t prevent the age-related muscle loss,” she explains. “Focused exercises strengthen the core, which helps firm the midsection and enhances posture. Moreover, strong muscles facilitate easier daily activities and reduce the risk of injuries. The combination of cardio and strength training is particularly effective in tightening and firming the lower belly.”

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10 Essential Exercises to Melt Lower Belly Fat

Below, you’ll find crucial exercises to help melt lower belly fat.

As you complete your workouts, keep track of how much weight you use for each movement and gradually increase the weight, if applicable. That way, you’ll continue to make progress for results that increase over time.

Leg Raises

1. Lie flat on your back, arms extended overhead and legs straight.
2. Lift both legs off the floor, keeping them extended.
3. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps.

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Reverse Crunches

1. Lie down flat on your back.
2. Keep your arms at your sides or place your hands under your glutes for added support.
3. Bend both knees and raise them to your chest.
4. Curl your hips off the ground before gradually lowering them back to the start position.
5. Perform 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps.

Plank With Knee Tucks

1. Assume a high plank—hands under your shoulders and body straight.
2. Hold the plank while bringing one knee in toward your chest at a time.
3. Complete 3 sets of 10 reps per side.

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Bicycle Crunches

1. Begin seated.
2. Place your hands behind your head.
3. Lift one knee while rotating the opposite elbow toward it.
4. Alternate sides in a pedaling motion.
5. Perform 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps on each side.

Mountain Climbers

1. Begin in a high plank.
2. Quickly drive your right knee toward your left elbow.
3. Swiftly return to a plank.
4. Repeat the movement with your left knee.
5. Continue to alternate at a fast pace.
6. Complete 3 sets of 20 to 30 seconds.

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Flutter Kicks

1. Lie flat on your back on a workout mat.
2. Place your hands under your glutes—palms facing down—for lower back support.
3. Your legs should be extended and heels hovering over the floor.
4. Press your lower back into the ground to activate your core.
5. Begin to kick your legs up and down in a small “fluttering” motion.
6. Perform 3 sets of 15 to 20 reps.

Russian Twists

1. To set up, sit on the ground, bend your knees, and keep your feet flat.
2. Lean back just a bit, and raise your feet off the floor.
3. Make sure your back remains straight.
4. Twist your torso to the left, then to the right, and touch your hands to the ground once you reach each side.
5. Continue to alternate.
6. Perform 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps per side.

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Hip Lifts

1. Sit side facing, placing one hand on the floor under your shoulder.
2. Extend your legs and stack your feet.
3. Lift your hips off the floor and activate your core.
4. Lower your hips, then lift them.
5. Complete 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps.

Squats

1. Stand tall, feet shoulder-width apart on the floor.
2. Extend your arms before you or place your hands on your hips.
3. Bend at the knees and hips to lower into a squat.
4. Descend until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
5. Press through your heels to return to standing.
6. Perform 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps.

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Lunges

1. Stand tall, feet parallel and hip-width apart.
2. Step one foot forward.
3. Bring your hands to your hips.
4. Engage your core as you bend your knees, lowering to form 90-degree bends in both legs.
5. Keep your upper body straight.
6. Press through your front heel and the ball of your back foot to rise back up.
7. Perform 3 sets of 10 reps per leg.

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Bulgarian Split Squats

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1. Grab two dumbbells, stand facing away from a bench, and rest one foot behind you on the bench.
2. Squat down with the forward leg, and keep that shin vertical.
3. Lean forward as you go down, and keep all the weight on the heel of your forward foot.
4. Complete 4 sets of 6 reps per leg.

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Kettlebell Swings

1. Start in a deadlift position with the kettlebell a few feet before you.
2. Hike the kettlebell back between your legs like a center in football.
3. Explosively drive your hips forward. Imagine propelling the kettlebell to a target in front of you.
4. Keep your arms relaxed.
5. Complete 5 sets of 10 reps.

Goblet Split Squat

1. Grab the end of one dumbbell in both hands and hold it by your chest with your elbows underneath.
2. Stand with one foot about three feet in front of the other so that your knees make two 90-degree angles at the bottom.
3. Drop straight down and drive with your front heel. Don’t let your front knee drift past your toe.
4. Complete 4 sets of 6 reps per leg.

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Dumbbell Neutral Grip Overhead Press

1. Grab two dumbbells and hold them by your shoulders, palms facing each other.
2. Keep your core tight and your glutes squeezed as you push the dumbbells directly overhead. At the top, your biceps should be next to your ears.
3. Don’t lean back or arch your lower back.
4. Complete 4 sets of 6 reps.

TRX Jump Squats

1. Grab the TRX handles and stand far enough so the straps are tense.
2. Squat down and jump as high as you can while pushing down on the straps to give you more lift.
3. Complete 3 sets of 8 reps.

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Single-Arm Cable Row

1. Set a cable handle to chest height.
2. Grab the handle, take a step back, and stand facing the cable.
3. Start the movement by pulling your shoulder blade toward your midline and row without twisting your torso.
4. Once you finish all your reps, switch sides.
5. Complete 4 sets of 8 reps per arm.

Alexa Mellardo