A flabby stomach and sides are common concerns for many individuals seeking to improve their overall fitness and appearance. Excess fat accumulation in these areas can result from various factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits, and genetic predispositions. One approach to addressing flabby stomach and sides involves incorporating 2-in-1 exercises into your fitness routine. These exercises not only focus on the core muscles but also engage surrounding muscle groups, providing a comprehensive workout.
We spoke with Andrew White, certified personal trainer, to learn about 2-in-1 exercises that can help reduce a flabby stomach and sides. He shared that Russian twists and plank hip dips are two of the best choices. Read on to learn more.
Russian Twists
Russian twists are a highly effective 2-in-1 exercise that targets both the abdominal muscles and obliques, making them particularly beneficial for addressing flabby stomach and sides.
"This exercise targets the obliques and the entire abdominal region, enhancing core strength and stability. By rotating the torso while holding a weight or just using body weight, this exercise engages the deep core muscles and obliques, aiding in toning and tightening the abdominal area," White says.
To perform this exercises correctly, White says to follow these steps: Sit on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat. Lean back slightly, keeping your back straight, and lift your feet off the floor. Clasp your hands together or hold a weight, and twist your torso to one side, then the other. Perform 3 sets of 15-20 reps on each side.
Plank Hip Dips
Plank Hip Dips are a dynamic 2-in-1 exercise designed to target the abdominal muscles and obliques, offering effective assistance in combating flabby stomach and sides. This twisting motion engages the oblique muscles while the plank position activates the entire core, providing a comprehensive workout for the midsection.
White says this workout is a "dynamic variation of the traditional plank that focuses on the obliques while strengthening the entire core. This movement adds a rotational component to the plank, increasing the engagement of the oblique muscles. It also helps in building a stronger, more stable core, which can contribute to a firmer midsection."
White says to follow these steps to properly perform this workout for your belly and sides: Start in a forearm plank position with your elbows under your shoulders and your body in a straight line. Rotate your hips to one side, dipping them toward the floor. Return to the center and then dip to the other side. Perform 3 sets of 10-15 dips on each side.
He ends by noting that although these exercises effectively enhance the strength and tone of the abdominal and oblique muscles, achieving visible results requires a reduction in overall body fat through a combination of cardiovascular exercise and a nutritious diet. Lastly, he adds, "Also, it's important to perform these exercises with proper form to avoid injury and maximize their effectiveness."
