Article # 549. How to Burn Side Stomach Fat

Excess stomach fat can be difficult to eliminate. The side stomach muscles may be especially problematic. As with any fat-loss program, burning side stomach fat is most effective with a combination of diet, aerobic exercise, and area-specific strengthening exercises. Choose exercises that focus on the obliques, which line the sides of the abdomen. Keep in mind that oblique exercises alone will not reduce side stomach fat, although they will increase muscle mass. When you perform exercises that target the obliques, always engage the entire abdominal core in order to support the side muscles and maximize your workout.

Step 1

Plan a detailed diet to aid in your weight loss. Eliminate high-calorie fatty foods from your diet and substitute fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Military.com recommends getting rid of fried foods and fatty red meat. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid diet plans that focus on a specific food group. Consider modifying your eating schedule as well. Instead of eating three large meals each day, eat small healthy meals throughout the day in order to keep the metabolism moving.

Step 2

Burn more calories than you consume with a regular aerobic workout. Begin with 20 to 30 minutes of continuous aerobic exercise three times a week. Gradually increase to 30 to 60 minutes four to five times a week. Examples of effective aerobic exercise include walking, jogging, running, swimming or biking. Consider joining an aerobics class or a dance class.

Step 3

Stretch the oblique muscles daily. Fitness Magazine recommends stability ball exercises for the obliques. Lie on your stability ball, with the feet placed flat on the ground. Hold a medicine ball in your hands, and gently stretch the obliques by twisting the torso from side to side, extending the medicine ball toward the wall. Do three sets of 10.

Step 4

Isolate the side stomach muscles with 15 minutes of firming and toning exercises such as crunches that target the obliques. Lie on the floor with your knees bent and arms behind your head, as if to do regular crunches. Inhale, and as you exhale, bring your left knee back toward the torso, keeping it bent. At the same time, twist the torso and bring your right elbow as close to the left knee as possible. Repeat on the opposite side. Start out with 20 reps, working up to 50.