You don’t have to do intense burpees or tough runs to burn belly fat. If you have joint pain or prefer a gentler method, low-impact exercises can be a great option. The key is to pick exercises that activate your core, increase your heart rate, and improve your strength without causing discomfort in your knees, hips, or back.

These five moves keep you grounded, but they don’t hold back. They challenge your balance, coordination, and muscular endurance while keeping the pressure off your joints. Done consistently, they reshape your waistline and restore strength where it matters most.

Perform each move for 30–45 seconds, moving with focus and intensity. Rest briefly between movements or roll straight into the next. Complete 2–3 rounds as a circuit for a complete low-impact fat-burning workout.

March with Arm Swings

Marching doesn’t just get your legs moving, it primes your whole body for action. With high knees and intentional arm swings, marching with arm swings light up your core, boost your heart rate, and improve coordination. It’s simple but surprisingly effective when done with speed and purpose. Marching with arm swings also reinforces better posture and rhythm.

How to do it:

• Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and arms by your sides.
• Begin marching in place, driving your knees up toward waist height.
• Swing your opposite arm forward with each knee drive, keeping your fists active and shoulders relaxed.
• Move at a steady pace, keeping your core tight and chest lifted throughout.

Standing Knee Drives

The standing knee drive delivers all the benefits of mountain climbers, minus the floor work. By isolating one leg at a time and pulling through your core, you target deep ab muscles while building balance and control. The fast-paced knee drive creates a cardio effect, while the standing position reduces joint stress. It’s low impact, but high reward.

How to do it:

• Stand with feet hip-width apart and arms overhead or out in front.
• Shift your weight to your left foot, then drive your right knee up toward your chest.
• As you drive the knee, pull both arms down in a controlled punch or band-pull motion.
• Repeat quickly for 30–45 seconds, then switch sides.

Glute Bridge March

A glute bridge march hits the glutes, hamstrings, and core all at once, without any pressure on your joints. The bridge position builds posterior chain strength while the alternating march challenges your pelvic stability. Expect your abs to fire hard as you fight to keep your hips level. It’s a slow, focused movement that builds strength where it counts.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

How to do it:

• Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat, and arms at your sides.
• Press through your heels to lift your hips into a glute bridge.
• While holding the bridge, slowly lift one knee toward your chest without letting your hips drop.
• Lower the leg and alternate sides for the full duration.

Side Step with Reach

Lateral movement trains your body in a way that forward-and-back exercises often miss. Side steps challenge your core, legs, and balance while keeping your joints protected. The reach adds a rotational element that activates your obliques and gets your heart rate climbing. It’s a dynamic yet gentle way to target stubborn belly fat.

How to do it:

• Start with feet together and knees slightly bent.
• Step to the right, reaching both arms diagonally to the left.
• Return to center and repeat to the other side.
• Continue alternating sides with purpose and control.

Seated Punch-Outs

The seated punch-out finisher delivers a surprising burn to your core, shoulders, and arms. Fast-paced punches challenge your cardio system while keeping you fully supported. With proper form, it transforms a basic seated position into a full-body effort. You’ll feel the heat build in your abs and upper body without straining your joints.

How to do it:

• Sit at the edge of a sturdy chair with feet flat and back tall.
• Brace your core and hold your fists in front of your chest.
• Punch one arm straight forward, then alternate quickly while keeping your core engaged.

Maintain speed and control for 30–45 seconds without leaning back.

Tyler Read, BSc, CPT