25 Powerful Flat Belly Workouts to Burn Calories Fast
This comprehensive guide offers 25 powerful flat belly workouts that are designed to be efficient, low-cost, and highly effective. Whether you’re a fitness newbie or a seasoned gym-goer, these moves can fit right into your routine. Let’s get into it!
1. High Knees
High knees are a classic cardio move that warms up the body and targets the core.
- Begin by jogging in place, lifting your knees as high as possible.
- Engage your abs with each rep to activate your core.
- Perform in intervals to boost calorie burn.
High knees help elevate your heart rate quickly, making them great for HIIT and fat-burning workouts. Plus, they’re a go-to for busy people needing quick results.
2. Mountain Climbers
A dynamic movement that targets your entire body while torching calories.
- Start in a plank position, hands under shoulders.
- Drive one knee toward your chest, then switch rapidly.
- Maintain tight core alignment throughout.
These quick bursts of motion melt belly fat while improving core endurance. It’s a compound movement that combines cardio with strength.
3. Russian Twists
One of the best flat tummy exercises for sculpting the obliques.
- Sit on the floor with knees bent, lean back slightly.
- Hold your hands together and twist side to side.
- Add a dumbbell or medicine ball for resistance.
Russian Twists are perfect for tightening the waist and improving rotational core strength.
4. Plank Jacks
Add a cardio twist to your standard plank!
- Begin in a plank position with feet together.
- Jump feet out and in, like a jumping jack.
- Keep hips stable and core braced.
Plank jacks improve core stability while increasing fat burn. They’re low-impact yet effective.
5. Bicycle Crunches
This tried-and-true move hits the upper, lower, and side abs.
- Lie flat and bring knees toward your chest.
- Alternate touching opposite elbow to knee.
- Keep core tight and control your motion.
Bicycle crunches are excellent for full-core activation and calorie burn.
6. Leg Raises
Great for isolating and strengthening the lower abs.
- Lie on your back, legs straight.
- Raise legs to 90 degrees, then lower slowly.
- Avoid letting your back arch.
Simple but effective, leg raises are an ideal addition to any home workout plan.
7. Burpees with Tuck Jump
A total-body move that spikes your heart rate.
- Drop into a squat, kick back to a plank.
- Return to squat and jump with knees tucked.
- Move quickly but keep your form sharp.
This combo movement burns maximum calories and engages your core.
8. Side Plank with Hip Dips
Works the obliques and improves balance.
- Get into a side plank on your forearm.
- Lower your hip to the floor and lift.
- Repeat for reps before switching sides.
A slow, controlled move that tightens the side waist and enhances posture.
9. Flutter Kicks
Perfect for building endurance in the lower abs.
- Lie on your back with legs extended.
- Lift legs slightly off the floor and alternate kicks.
- Keep your lower back pressed to the mat.
These little kicks go a long way in creating a flat, toned tummy.
10. V-Ups
V-ups engage the full length of your abs.
- Lie flat with arms extended overhead.
- Lift arms and legs to meet in a V shape.
- Lower slowly and repeat.
V-ups are efficient for building core strength and flexibility.
11. Jumping Lunges with Twist
Adds rotational movement to a leg-burning workout.
- Start in a lunge and jump to switch legs.
- Add a torso twist toward the front leg.
- Repeat smoothly and maintain balance.
A killer move for burning belly fat and sculpting the waistline.
12. Hollow Body Hold
A Pilates favorite that strengthens deep core muscles.
- Lie on your back, arms and legs extended.
- Lift shoulders and legs off the floor.
- Hold while keeping your back flat.
It’s deceptively hard and builds serious abdominal control.
13. Dead Bug
A core stabilizing move that’s beginner-friendly.
- Lie on your back, arms and legs in tabletop.
- Extend opposite arm and leg, then switch.
- Keep your core engaged and back flat.
Dead bugs strengthen the inner core and improve neuromuscular coordination.
14. Lying Windshield Wipers
A unique twist move for side abdominals.
- Lie with arms out and legs raised.
- Lower legs side-to-side slowly.
- Control the motion to avoid strain.
Great for waist trimming and improving core flexibility.
15. Jump Rope Intervals
A fun, cardio-focused fat burner.
- Jump for 30 seconds, rest, and repeat.
- Use different techniques like high knees or double-unders.
- Focus on consistent pace.
Jump rope is excellent for high-calorie burning and keeps your core engaged.
16. Toe Touches
Easy, no-equipment move for upper abs.
- Lie flat, legs raised.
- Reach hands toward toes with a crunch.
- Focus on short, controlled reps.
Toe touches are quick and effective for a core finish.
17. Skater Jumps
A lateral movement that works the obliques.
- Jump side to side like a speed skater.
- Keep chest lifted and core tight.
- Land softly and repeat.
Skater jumps burn calories while improving balance.
18. Reverse Crunches
Target the lower belly and pelvic region.
- Lie down and bring knees to chest.
- Curl hips off the floor, then lower.
- Avoid using momentum.
Reverse crunches are gentle on the spine but powerful for flat abs.
19. Standing Oblique Crunches
Perfect for low-impact routines.
- Stand tall and bring knee to same-side elbow.
- Crunch through your obliques.
- Repeat on both sides.
No mat? No problem! This move is great for on-the-go fitness.
20. Spider Plank
Works abs, shoulders, and legs.
- In plank position, bring knee toward elbow.
- Alternate sides with control.
- Keep hips low and abs tight.
Spider planks intensify the core challenge while elevating your heart rate.
21. Jump Squat with Reach
A full-body move with added calorie burn.
- Squat down, jump up and reach.
- Land softly and repeat.
- Focus on explosiveness.
This compound exercise engages multiple muscle groups, including your abs.
22. Plank with Shoulder Taps
Simple yet effective for core control.
- Begin in plank position.
- Tap each shoulder with the opposite hand.
- Avoid rocking side to side.
It’s a stability booster and great for core endurance.
23. Side-to-Side Hops
A fast-paced move for agility and core power.
- Hop laterally over an imaginary line.
- Keep core tight and back straight.
- Land with soft knees.
This is a fat-burning gem that can be done in limited space.
24. Heel Touches
Perfect for targeting the obliques in a crunch position.
- Lie on your back, knees bent.
- Reach side-to-side touching your heels.
- Keep the motion fluid.
This isolation move tightens the waist and can be done quickly.
25. Lunge with Twist
The perfect finisher to your routine.
- Step into a lunge and twist your torso.
- Return to start and alternate sides.
- Maintain a slow, controlled tempo.
It’s ideal for toning abs and legs together, especially after cardio.
Conclusion
The journey to a flat belly and stronger core isn’t about hundreds of sit-ups or crash diets. It’s about consistency, movement variety, and exercises that engage your entire body while targeting the abs. The workouts we’ve covered are perfect for burning calories, boosting your metabolism, and developing functional strength.
You don’t need a gym. You don’t need hours each day. Just commit to doing 4–5 of these exercises per session, a few times a week. Mix them into your regular routine, or use them to create your own belly-fat blasting circuit.