Let’s be honest: Sticking to a strict diet in an attempt to lose weight can become tiresome quickly. While it’s crucial to consume meals that are high in protein and fiber for your overall wellness, incorporating the right exercises can also help tone your belly and enhance your physical fitness. To help you manage your waistline effectively after hitting 40, we consulted with experts who identified the most effective exercises for this purpose.

“Although these exercises don’t specifically target belly fat, they’re quite effective in increasing the size and definition of your abdominal muscles, which can create the illusion of reduced belly fat. Combining these exercises with a healthy diet will yield fantastic results,” states Fjorino Musaku, M.Ed., a specialist in exercise science, diabetes care, and education at FriskaAi, and a professor of exercise science at Henry Ford College.

5 Daily Moves That Flatten Belly Fat

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. Hold for 1 to 2 seconds.
4. Complete 3 to 5 sets of 15 to 20 reps with 30 seconds of rest between sets.

The 6 Best Ways To Shrink Belly Fat Without Endless Exercise After 45

Plank

“This exercise targets the core muscles, including the abdominal muscles and obliques,” Musaku says.

1. ​​Lie flat on your stomach.
2. Place your hands below your shoulders or rise onto your forearms.
3. Your body should form a straight line from your head to your feet.
4. Complete 3 to 5 sets, holding for 30 to 60 seconds and resting for 30 seconds between sets.

5 Best Bodyweight Moves To Shrink Your Waist in 30 Days

Russian Twists

1. Begin seated on the floor, knees bent and feet flat.
2. Clasp your hands in front of your chest.
3. Lean back slightly to lift your feet off the floor.
4. Keep your hips stable as you rotate side to side, touching your hands to the floor each time.
5. Complete 3 to 5 sets of 15 to 20 reps, resting for 30 seconds between sets.

These 4 Lower-Body Moves Burn Belly Fat Without Touching Your Core

Bicycle Crunches

1. Lie flat on your back, gently supporting your head with your hands.
2. Lift your legs with bent knees.
3. Lift your shoulders off the floor.
4. Crunch up as you bring your left knee toward your right elbow and extend your right leg.
5. Alternate in a pedaling motion.
6. Perform 3 to 5 sets of 15 to 20 reps, resting for 30 seconds between sets.

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5 Body-Sculpting Moves To Build a Lean Waistline

Crunches

1. Lie flat on your back with bent knees and hands behind your head.
2. Lift your shoulders off the floor, curling up toward your knees.
3. Perform 3 to 5 sets of 15 to 20 reps, resting for 30 seconds between sets.

Looking for more easy ways to lose fat? Here’s How Long Your Walking Workout Should Be To Shrink Belly Fat.

Alexa Mellardo