Is your six-pack hidden behind some fat? Most people have problems in the lower abdominal region.
“That’s because this is exactly where the body stores fat – especially as you get older,” explains sports physiologist and fitness consultant Tom Holland.
Reading tip
Less body fat
Unfortunately, countless crunches won’t help: to reveal your lower abdominal muscles, you need to make a significant change in your lifestyle to reduce your body fat percentage.
“To achieve defined abs, you need to lose weight overall. The best way to do this is to follow a plan that includes healthy eating, cardiovascular exercise and strength training,” says Holland.
Reading tip
“We all have a six-pack,” he explains. “For many people, it is only covered by a layer of subcutaneous fat.”
So don’t be discouraged if you can’t see your abs yet, because that doesn’t mean they’re not there.
Show off your slim belly with these exercises
If you also want to train your stomach, that’s great. To shape the lower region, it’s recommended to do the repetitions slowly and concentrate on the correct technique.
The certified personal trainer Emma Lovewellexplains that many abdominal exercises unfortunately place very little strain on the lower abdominal muscles:
“For example, crunches only target the upper abdominal muscles, while the lower half hardly has to work,” she explains.
Therefore, the best exercises for the lower abdomen are those that require you to move your lower body.
Reading tip
Three great exercises for a slim lower stomach
- Hanging leg raises: For this exercise you need a bar that you can hang from. Now raise your legs up at the same time. The exercise is easier with bent legs. The whole thing becomes more challenging if you leave them stretched out.
- Reverse crunches: In this exercise, you perform crunches. However, while doing this, lift your legs and keep them bent in the air.
- Mountain climbers: Start in the upright push-up position. Now pull your legs alternately towards your core. If you do this quickly, you’ll even boost your metabolism.
Insider tip: Stop
Another tip: Many other exercises that are not necessarily intended for the stomach also strengthen your core muscles. These are mainly the exercises that are performed while standing.
These include deadlifts, squats and even bicep curls.
Another advantage of these exercises: They support your spine and prevent injuries.
Reading tips
