10 Effective Flat Belly Workouts to Burn Calories Fast

Flat belly success is all about smart, targeted workouts paired with consistent effort. That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or just someone tired of bloated abs, these 10 effective flat belly workouts are designed to burn calories fast and strengthen your core from every angle. Let’s dive in—sweat included!

1. Plank to Push-Up

The plank to push-up is a dynamic move that challenges your core, chest, and arms simultaneously. It’s deceptively simple—but boy, does it deliver!Start in a plank position on your forearms. Then, one arm at a time, push up into a full push-up position, then return to the plank. The trick? Keep your hips level and avoid rocking side to side. It’s all about stability here.

This move improves overall core strength, increases muscular endurance, and even gets your heart rate up. Add it to your warm-up or finish off a session with a 30-second burnout. Want to turn it up a notch? Add a resistance band around your arms or elevate your feet!

2. Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers are cardio gold—and a total core blaster. You’ll work up a serious sweat while shredding belly fat at lightning speed. In a plank position, drive one knee toward your chest, then switch quickly. Think of it as running in place—but horizontally. Your heart rate soars, your core fires up, and your lower belly gets the attention it deserves.

No equipment? No problem. Mountain climbers require zero gear and minimal space, making them perfect for apartment workouts. Try them in 30-second bursts or mix them into your HIIT core workouts. You’ll feel the burn and see results—fast.

3. Russian Twists

Ready to carve out those side abs? Russian twists are your go-to. This rotational movement lights up your obliques while training balance and control. Sit on the floor, lean back slightly, and lift your feet. Twist your torso side to side, touching the ground with both hands or a weight. It’s important to keep your spine tall and your movements controlled—no flinging your arms!

This simple move helps tighten your waistline and improve rotational core strength. Add it to your ab circuits or perform it slowly at the end of a workout for a deep burn. Bonus: you can do them anywhere—even in front of the TV.

4. Leg Raises

Leg raises focus on the lower part of your abs—a tricky spot that many exercises miss. But once you master this move, you’ll feel the difference immediately. Lie flat on your back with your hands under your glutes. Slowly lift your legs toward the ceiling and lower them down without letting them touch the floor. The key? Control. Rushing defeats the purpose and risks injury.

These are fantastic for flattening the lower belly and building up deep core muscles. You can do leg raises solo, mix them into ab supersets, or include them in bodyweight belly workouts. For a variation, try holding a stability ball between your ankles!

5. Bicycle Crunches

It’s been called one of the most effective abdominal exercises ever—and for good reason. Bicycle crunches combine oblique engagement, lower ab work, and a cardio boost, all in one move. Lie on your back and pedal your legs as you bring opposite elbow to opposite knee. Don’t rush through the reps. Instead, focus on the twist and full extension of the legs.

Not only will you feel your abs light up, but your entire core gets challenged. This move can be done in circuits or on its own for 60 seconds. Pro tip: slow it down to really isolate those muscles and get deep contraction.

6. High Knees

Short on time but want maximum calorie burn? High knees are the answer. They elevate your heart rate, work your core, and get those lower abs fired up. Stand tall and quickly drive your knees toward your chest as you pump your arms. The faster and higher you go, the more intense the burn. You can do these for time (30–60 seconds) or reps.

Add them between strength moves to keep your heart rate up or turn them into a fat-melting cardio circuit. They’re an essential move for slimming your waist and torching belly fat—especially when combined with clean eating.

7. V-Ups

Looking for a serious challenge? V-Ups target your entire core and require total-body control. They’re not easy—but the results are worth it. Start lying flat, arms overhead. In one movement, lift your arms and legs to form a “V” shape at the top. Try to touch your toes, then lower back down with control. You’ll feel this one instantly!

This full-body core exercise helps build ab definition and enhances coordination. Try 3 sets of 10–12 reps or combine with flutter kicks for an intense burnout. Want more? Add ankle or wrist weights.

8. Flutter Kicks

Flutter kicks may look simple—but once you do them for 30 seconds, you’ll know otherwise. These kicks zero in on your lower abs and hip flexors, while improving muscular endurance. Lie on your back, lift your legs slightly off the floor, and alternate small, quick kicks up and down. Keep your lower back pressed into the floor to avoid strain.

You’ll love how effective these are in burning belly fat and tightening your midsection. Do them in rounds or use them as a finisher after an intense workout. Short, sweet, and devastatingly effective.

9. Burpees with Jump Tuck

This move is for the bold! Burpees already torch calories, but add a jump tuck at the top—and you’ve got a core-scorching, cardio-blasting powerhouse. Start with a standard burpee. After jumping back into a plank and returning to standing, jump straight up and tuck your knees toward your chest. This explosive move builds strength, improves power, and hammers your abs.

Incorporate these into a fat loss workout or HIIT session. They’re intense, but nothing melts fat quite like them. A few sets of these will leave you drenched and your core screaming—in a good way.

10. Side Plank with Hip Dips

Last but never least, side plank hip dips target your obliques and help sculpt that V-line we all admire. They also improve balance and activate supporting muscles in your glutes and shoulders. Get into a side plank, either on your elbow or hand. Dip your hips slightly down, then raise them back to neutral. Repeat on both sides.

This move is perfect as a cool-down or an isolation exercise in a longer core routine. Want more challenge? Stack your feet and raise your top arm. It’s stability meets strength—and your side belly fat won’t stand a chance.

Conclusion

You don’t need expensive equipment or endless hours to sculpt a flat, strong belly. These 10 powerful workouts blend calorie-burning cardio, core-tightening strength, and functional movement to help you reach your goals efficiently.

Start with 3–4 of these exercises per session, aiming for 3–4 sessions per week. Focus on form, increase intensity gradually, and don’t forget—your diet matters too. Combine these moves with clean eating, hydration, and rest, and you’ll see results not just in your stomach, but in your confidence too.

Fitness is a journey, not a sprint. And your path to a flatter belly starts with one rep, one set, one sweaty session at a time. So lace up your shoes, press play on your playlist, and let’s burn those calories—fast and smart.