A lot of workout tutorials include sit ups as one of the exercises that help you lose those unwanted pounds around the waist. But are sit ups really helpful in belly fat reduction? Here are a few things that one should know before relying only on sit ups for belly fat reduction…

SIT UPS BURN OVERALL FAT

If you think that doing sit ups alone will help you get a flat stomach, then you are mistaken. Sit ups don’t target your belly specifically but can help you lose fat in general. Doing sit ups at a moderate intensity for 10 minutes without rest, burns as much as 60 calories. Your weight also has a big role to play. If you weigh less than 68 kilos, you will burn lesser calories in the stipulated time and if you weigh more, you will burn more calories if you do seven sit ups in one minute.

SPOT REDUCTION IS A MYTH

Reduction of belly fat requires a disciplined and dedicated regime of a few well balanced exercises. So, if you want to get rid of fat from your belly, the first thing that you should do is include lunges, leg raises, twist crunches and reverse crunches in your workout regime. Don’t be too strict with yourself at the beginning -start gradually and steadily increase the number of lunges and crunches you do. Don’t forget to do a light warm-up before you begin your routine.

OTHER BENEFITS OF SIT UPS:

While sit ups might not be the best option for losing fat overall, they do offer a lot of other benefits. They strengthen the core and help build abdominal muscles. Having more muscles will, in turn, increase the amount of calories that your body burns, which will help you burn fat. Also, building your abdominal muscles will firm up your stomach, and thereby give you a sculpted look. This, however, is only possible once the fat is gone. So, include other exercises like crunches and plank in your fitness regime. They also help strengthen your thigh muscles. If you’re struggling with cellulite in your thighs, sit ups are a good option.

Source: TOI