Belly Blasting
The magic formula to blast your belly is a combination of cardio + weight lifting + core work. The trick with the cardio is to do intervals of intensity and try to burn 400 calories per workout. Or, break it up into 10 or 15 minute segments with intensity. Mix it up and cross train with other activities (treadmill, outdoors, elliptical, rower, biking indoors and outdoors, jump roping, brisk walking, hiking, etc). It’s great to get in some kind of cardio every day, but just make sure to hit it hard no less than four to five times week. Weight training is vital if you want to see a real shape shifting in your body composition. Twice a week is all it takes and most plans don’t require a gym. Finally, working your core does not mean countless crunches. Instead, I like to draw upon simple Pilates mat work and slower, more concentrated abdominal contractions to achieve a maximal benefit. Yoga and Pilates are terrific to integrate into your program to provide a terrific mind and body experience.
Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP