Belly Fat Targeted With Push Ups!
Belly fat is one of the most common complaints people have about their bodies. Targeting it is no easy or quick task. However, given a healthy diet & combination of exercises, it can be reduced, and show improved muscle tone. Push-ups help strengthen your midsection, as well as your upper body. Your core’s muscles are essential to maintaining the plank position while doing a push up. It is a very basic, but excellent exercise for your abdominal muscles.
Dr Sue says, “Don’t forget that most of the positions in yoga will challenge the core, and in particular the ‘plank’ pose”.
When doing your push-ups, don’t go too fast; make it a 3 second movement. Focus on the target muscle groups and do the full range of motion. Start at the floor and push yourself all the way up. Lower your body the whole way down, gently touching the floor with your sternum.
Make sure your elbows are around 45 degrees, as this works the chest muscles. Maintain your plank position the whole time, and ensure that you breathe in on the down motion, and breathe out as you push yourself up.
How To Do Them
To ensure that you are targeting belly fat, make sure you do the following:
- Pull your belly button in while you are in the plank position. This contracts the deep inner transverse abdominal muscle, which help support the spine.
- Contract your pelvic floor muscles (the Kegel squeeze). This muscle group can be identified easily – next time you use the bathroom, stop your urine mid-flow: the muscles used to do this are your pelvic floor muscles. Utilizing these muscles will help you feel and focus on your abdominal muscles.
- If you want to work on that 6-pack, drive your chin down toward your toes while you’re focused on squeezing your bellybutton in.
Integrate these steps into your regular exercise routine to improve muscle tone and strength over time.