6 Pilates exercises to burn belly fat

Published on:19 June 2024, 11:00am IST

If you want to lose belly fat, Pilates exercises can help you sculpt your midsection. The best thing is you don't need any equipment to perform these exercises. So, here are the best Pilates exercises for belly fat you must include in your workout.

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Stretch first!
stretch before Pilates IG

Before you begin exercising, you should stretch to help your body open up. When you stretch, your body opens up and functions more effectively, helping your muscles engage more easily. It will also increase blood flow, flexibility, and range of motion, which will improve the overall impact of the exercises you perform. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Runner's lunge
runner's lunge IG

Get into a plank position with your hands directly below your shoulders. Place your right foot forward and next to your foot. Relax your hips and back, and let them sink into the ground. Breathe and hold the pose for 30 seconds before changing your legs. Remember not to use your leg muscles to hold the hips up, release your hips instead to experience a deep stretch. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Crisscross
crisscross IG

Lie on your back on the mat and bend your knees. Raise your legs into a tabletop position. Place your hands behind your head and use your arms to lift your head off the floor. Exhale and straighten one of the legs. Now, twist your torso towards the opposite knee and inhale as you move through the pose. Now repeat on the other leg and rotate towards the opposite direction. Do this 10-15 times on each side for 3 repetitions. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Plank
Plank IG

Lie on your mat, facing downward like you would in a push-up. Ground your toes on the floor and push yourself up to bring your body in a straight line. Look straight and hold the position for 20-30 seconds if you are a beginner. You can increase the time as you get comfortable doing it. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Side plank
Side plank IG

Lie on your side on a mat with your legs straight and your feet stacked over each other. Now, exhale and lift your hips and knees from the mat in a way that your torso is in a straight line. Hold the position for as long as you can and return to the initial position. Now, do it on the other side and repeat. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Scissors kick
scissors kick IG

Lie down on your back on the mat and arms by your sides. Lift your legs perpendicular to the floor, keeping your feet hip-width apart with your knees bent and toes pointed. Keep your legs at a 90-degree angle to the floor. Inhale and lower your right leg until you start feeling a strain in your back. Remember, it should strain, not hurt your back. Exhale and bring the leg back up to the starting position. Now, repeat on the other leg. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Pilates toe taps
Pilates toe taps IG

Also known as a supine toe tap, this exercise is good for your core muscles. Begin by lying down on the mat with your knees bent and arms on either side. Bring your legs up in a tabletop position, keeping your knees bent and thighs perpendicular to the floor. Now, lower the left foot and tap it on the floor while the right leg remains in the tabletop position. Return the left leg to the tabletop and repeat with the right leg. Do 10 taps on each side, which will complete one repetition. Do 3 such repetitions. Image courtesy: Freepik