The internet is full of ‘expert’ advice and click bait. People want to grab your attention and convince you that there is some magical formula to targeting belly fat.

But what is the truth? Is there a way to target the belly and bring through those hidden abs? Well let’s look and see if you can really target that belly fat or not.

So that I don’t fall into that category of click bait, I’m going to answer the question first. Then we can go more in depth as a follow up. So the answer to the burning question of targeting belly fat is… No, you cannot target belly fat.

So lets look at what you can do to improve that physique around the middle. As well as ways in which we can start to shed that excess gut.

Improving Your Core Physique

Running for Fat Burning

There are two ways to improve the overall appearance of your abs and core. The first is fat loss. As I’ve already stated, you can’t specifically target belly fat. Because of this, it falls to general fat loss principles to start shifting that stubborn gut. As previously discussed in the ToughsHIIT article ‘How Do I Burn Fat – The Truth‘, there are 3 ways to burn fat; reducing calorie intake, resistance training and good old-fashioned cardio.

I’ve listed them in that order as that is the order of efficiency. Creating a calorie deficit is the primary way to lose fat. Reducing your carbohydrate intake will add to this as it will deplete the glycogen stores in your body. This will force your body to turn to its secondary source of energy – fat! On top of reducing calorie intake, throw in some added resistance and cardio training and watch the weight fall off.

I’m not going to go into greater detail on fat burning as we discussed this in the aforementioned article . If you want to go deeper into this, then you can read the article by clicking the link above.

Develop The Muscles!

So aside from burning fat in general, how else can we improve that core area?

Well quite simply, adding core focused exercises into our workout routine will positively affect muscular development. This will help to get those core muscles showing through. It will add to the overall aesthetic appearance of the core, giving you a defined physique to be proud of.

Sit Ups - Developing Your Core

The beauty of developing muscles is that you CAN spot train! Whereas fat loss requires an overall loss of fat from the body, increasing muscle size and density doesn’t. It can be done by targeting specific areas. You don’t need to build overall size across the whole of your body. If you want bigger biceps, then work your biceps. Likewise if you want a toned and defined core, work it!

Targeting the core can be done quite simply, with a vast array of exercises. These can be added to the end of your general workout. You can also do them on their own at any time of the day. I often use static core exercises while resting between sets if I’m doing an upper body workout. Try using the plank, side plank or V-sits between sets to keep the blood pumping and start attacking that core.

Remember to work the whole of the core when training, don’t be tempted to just hit those abdominal muscles. Make sure you get the obliques and lower back working too. These muscles are just as, if not more important in developing a strong core.

Get That Summer Six Pack

Following the advice above will shift that stubborn belly fat and improve the look of your core. Don’t fall for the targeting belly fat click bait, work hard!

A strong core will improve posture and often relieve back issues such as sciatica. Remember the core is vitally important to our overall health. It stabilises us during our day to day life and when working out other areas of the body. A strong core really does lead to a strong body.

For more tips and advice follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out the YouTube, or our Workouts page for all your core workout needs. No Excuses!