Consult with a health professional for support on constructing the best plan for you. A strong core is a major factor in staying free from injury, particularly in your hips and knees, says Michelle Arent, director of training and conditioning at Rutgers Center for Health and Human Performance in the US. Conjuring up images of planks and endless bicycle crunches. Russian twists not only help burn fat but also tone your waistline and improve posture, according to the American Sports and Fitness Association When part of your regular gym routine, medicine ball slams help strengthen your core and tone your midsection. This exercise also tests your endurance, getting your heart rate up each time you pick the ball up and bring it overhead. Simply walking for weight loss works, says Sahmura Gonzalez, a personal trainer based in NYC. Jump squats combine lower-body strength training with explosive power, helping to boost metabolism while engaging the core. By incorporating burpees into your routine, you’ll increase your metabolism and burn more calories even after your workout is over.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e The body doesn’t burn fat from specific areas because you work on just that area. So if I do only crunches and planks I’ll erase belly fat and have a sick set of abs? For more of Launder's expertise as well as a plethora of post-natal workout wisdom, check out our full post-pregnancy workout guide. It's basically anything you do that doesn't count as demarcated exercise. Forms of NEAT exercise include doing household chores, walking your dog, playing with your kids, strolling around the park with a podcast or choosing to take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. This means making sure you keep your daily movement high throughout the day instead of just when you're getting on your exercise mat or on the treadmill is crucially important. Indoor cycling on a stationary bike allows you to build up those muscles without taxing your joints. Just because you may not have access to open water doesn’t mean you can’t weave this fat-blasting cardio workout into your gym routine. Hold the plank for 30 to 45 seconds, increasing the time as you get stronger. But it’s still important to work those abs even as you’re trying to shed fat, says New York City-based personal trainer Adam Sanford, founder of Adam Sanford Fitness. From here, turn your torso to the right, pause and squeeze your right oblique muscles, then turn your torso to the left and pause to squeeze your left oblique muscles. For example, a dish like Tabbouleh with Chickpeas provides a perfect mix of fiber and nutrients to support fat loss.V-ups are a challenging exercise that engages your entire core, including your rectus abdominis, obliques, and hip flexors.When performed at speed, they deliver the calorie-burning punch of a sprint while keeping constant pressure on your core muscles.While they won’t directly burn belly fat, they can help tone and strengthen your core.Deadlifts are a compound movement that burns calories while engaging the core, back, and legs.As an ISSA-certified trainer, I’ve seen countless clients struggle with stubborn body fat.Successful fat loss occurs when we maintain as much muscle mass as possible while cutting away the extra storage of body fat we have.Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to target stubborn belly fat more effectively. “Proper breathing technique (exhaling during the effort, inhaling on the return) helps engage deep core muscles while avoiding unnecessary pressure in the thoracic cavity. This exercise engages your core while improving balance. Complete 3 sets of 20 reps (10 per side). Sit on the floor, lean back slightly, and twist side to side with a kettlebell or just your bodyweight. Compound exercises, which engage multiple muscle groups, are particularly effective for boosting metabolism and accelerating fat loss. Combining targeted exercises with a balanced, nutritious diet is the most effective approach for reducing overall body fat, including stubborn belly fat. Different strokes can target different muscle groups, making it a versatile option for exercises to lose belly fat. They’re an excellent choice for exercises to lose belly fat because they’re a full-body movement. Inchworms are a dynamic exercise that combines planks and push-ups, engaging your entire body while targeting your core muscles. HIIT is one of the most effective ways to burn belly fat. Start with cardio or aerobic exercise, such as active walking, jogging, or riding, to burn calories and improve heart health. This guide offers effective tips for losing belly fat and embracing a healthier lifestyle. It strengthens the deep core muscles, which play a key role in maintaining a flat stomach. This exercise enhances core stability while forcing the muscles to work harder to resist rotation. This is a great way to engage your core and burn belly fat without putting too much stress on your body. Simple yet effective, running or active walking can help burn calories and reduce belly fat. At Crunch Fitness, HIIT classes are tailored to all fitness levels, making integrating this powerful fat-burning workout into your routine easy. “Your legs have the biggest muscle groups, and having exercises that are multi-joint or lower body dominant are ideal,” he says. Choose any of your favorite exercises—just make sure you alternate between exercises that work different muscle groups, which will help certain muscles recover while you work others. Some examples of HIIT include bodyweight exercises like jumping jacks, pushups, squats jumps, and high knees. High-intensity interval training (HIIT)-HIIT is probably one of the best workouts to lose stomach fat and reduce the overall body fat percentage. Because building muscle is key to losing fat, also be sure to include enough protein in your diet for your body weight. Exercises like planks, leg raises, and Russian twists can tone your abdominal muscles. For instance, performing squats with a barbell strengthens your legs and engages your abdominal muscles. The intense effort helps burn more calories and boost your metabolism, even after your workout. As Women’s Health UK’s fitness director and a qualified Pilates and yoga instructor, Bridie Wilkins has been passionately reporting on exercise, health and nutrition since the start of her decade-long career in journalism.Don’t forget to manage stress and get enough sleep, as these factors can contribute to weight gain.Each controlled drop and lift strengthens your waistline and builds endurance in your core.However, common thinking suggests that most women should not dip below 18% body fat, at the risk of interfering with their hormones.While not traditionally considered a fat-burning exercise, certain yoga poses and sequences can be effective exercises to lose belly fat.Each rep combines strength, power, and speed, forcing your body to work harder with minimal rest.Perform 3 sets of 30–40 seconds.Similarly, high sodium intake can make your body retain water, leading to a swollen belly. Physical Fitness and Mental Health: The Perfect Balance for Wellbeing They’re an excellent choice for exercises to lose belly fat because they work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. They’re an excellent choice for exercises to lose belly fat because they elevate your heart rate and work multiple muscle groups. Kettlebell swings are a full-body exercise that can help burn calories, build muscle, and engage your core. Minute Morning Workout to Rebuild Muscle If you’ve tried rock climbing, then you know how much strength it takes to scale to the top. With your weight in your heels, jump explosively into the air with your arms overhead. Burpees work your core, as well as your chest, shoulders, lats, triceps, and quads, explains Michaels. We get it, burpees may be tough (just notice your rapid breathing as you’re doing them), but they really do help build muscle. If you and your doctor agree that your health is in good shape, there’s certainly no need to do anything differently. Best Daily Exercises to Blast Belly Fat, According to a Trainer High knees combine the intensity of sprinting with direct core activation, making them one of the fastest ways to elevate your heart rate. The rapid knee drive forces your core to stay braced against rotation, building stability and endurance in your midsection. Each one builds stability, power, and definition around your midsection without wasting time on isolation drills that don’t deliver results. Similarly, high sodium intake can make your body retain water, leading to a swollen belly. Here’s a breakdown to help you start your journey toward a flatter stomach and a healthier lifestyle. One of my clients, Sarah (35), incorporated planks into her routine, gradually progressing her hold time and difficulty of the exercise each week. Over the years, I’ve worked with clients of all fitness levels, helping them conquer challenges like stubborn belly fat and embrace sustainable fitness routines. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a handy body weight planner that can help you figure out what number of daily calories you should aim for if you have a goal weight in mind. So if you have questions about your own health risks, consult your doctor before setting specific weight-loss goals. There are two ways to work smarter to burn more calories in the gym, says Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., MH fitness director. For any type of fat loss, you have to start with creating a calorie deficit—minimizing calories in, and maximizing calories out. Arguably the best bodyweight move on the planet, sprinting is an activity we are all capable of doing but progressively lose capacity in as we get older. Start with light weight first to master the three steps of the exercise and always focus on keeping your core engaged. This high-intensity exercise torches belly fat while building core stability and endurance.Overhead medicine ball slams require your core muscles—including your glutes, abdominals, lower back, spinal erectors, and even your rotator cuffs—to work together to power the movement.Jumping rope is a simple yet effective cardio exercise that can help burn calories and target belly fat.Establishing a nutritious, balanced diet is just as important as your workout routine to help with your weight loss goals.You'll move through multiple phases, pumping up your heart rate and kicking off that fat burn.Russian twists not only help burn fat but also tone your waistline and improve posture, according to the American Sports and Fitness AssociationKeep your movements smooth and core engaged.Similarly, no one exercise is going to torch belly fat specifically. Holding a plank position can be challenging, but it’s an excellent way to strengthen your midsection. Crunches are a classic abdominal exercise that targets the rectus abdominis (the “six-pack” muscles). HIIT exercises aim to challenge your body by alternating short bursts of vigorous activity with brief rest periods, pushing your limits. 15 best tricep exercises to build your upper body These moves will ignite every inch of your core and then some. The most effective method of intermittent fasting is something that can be easily maintained, based on your daily routine. The MyPlate model shows the five food groups (fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy) in a proportion set, making it easier to understand the types of food and quantity to include in each meal to have a healthy and balanced diet. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) developed a helpful guide for adults and children to be as healthy as possible. It's normal to want to get rid of stomach fat fast, but it is not possible to simply spot treat and reduce stomach fat. Belly fat can be stubborn, but you can burn it effectively with the right mix of exercises and lifestyle changes. Hormonal changes can lead to muscle loss and fat gain, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Hanging leg raises are one of the most effective exercises for targeting the lower abs, an area where many people struggle to lose fat. If you’re ready to target belly fat and build a leaner core, these seven expert-approved exercises will help you get there fast. Instead, aim to do general full-body exercises that burn fat all-around. Most individuals can expect to see noticeable changes in their midsection within 4-8 weeks of consistently following a well-rounded exercise and nutrition plan. It’s a great option for those who prefer low-impact workouts or have limited space. 23 best home workouts + online studios to try now Your no-nonsense guide to dealing with back fat Cut through the noise and get practical, expert advice, home workouts, easy nutrition and more direct to your inbox. However - and this is an important point to make – strengthening your stomach muscles alone won't help you achieve the strong and lean aesthetic you're after. Similarly, no one exercise is going to torch belly fat specifically. When you reduce body fat, you'll lose it from all over, not one specific place. You can't spot reduce belly fat or target a specific area where you want to lose fat. If this is the first time you're focusing on stomach exercises, you should gradually increase the intensity of the movements you do. 5 Bodyweight Exercises That Shrink Belly Fat Faster Than CrunchesRamp up the challenge—and fat-burning capabilities—by adding a load.Russian twists are a dynamic exercise that targets the obliques (the muscles on the sides of your abdomen).Burpees are a challenging full-body exercise that combines a squat, a plank, and a jump.While spot reduction is a myth, abdominal exercises strengthen your core and improve posture.To be clear, this doesn’t mean you should stop eating and do six-hour workouts. These medicine ball exercises are a good place to get going. They’ll also let you move heavy weights, which will help you build muscle, too. It’s a staple way to train power, intensity, and multiple energy systems, all of which make it terrifically effective for changing your body composition. It’ll also burn more calories than you think, and ramp up your metabolism way more than, say, curls. You'll move through multiple phases, pumping up your heart rate and kicking off that fat burn. Interval cardio is a very productive method to torch visceral fat. If You Can Do These 4 Bodyweight Workouts, Your Body Is Still Young Planks are true shining stars when it comes to boosting core endurance. Cable rotations are a stellar choice to build rotational strength and your obliques. 5 Bodyweight Exercises That Shrink Belly Fat Faster Than Crunches Reach both arms overhead, fully extending your body. Plus, according to the American College of Sports Medicine, training with a medicine ball can help you develop total body power and muscular flexibility. So, start light and power the ball into the floor using as much speed and core engagement as possible. Some of the more challenging yoga poses include plank, chair, Chaturanga, and wheel. Start incorporating these exercises into your routine, and watch as you burn belly fat and build a stronger, healthier body. Instead, the most effective way to lose belly fat is by combining full-body strength training with high-intensity movements that elevate your heart rate and engage your core. Swimming is an excellent full-body exercise that can help burn calories and tone your muscles, including your core. (Don’t get off the rowing machine or even let go of the handle when you rest, says Penfold.) Repeat this eight times, trying to beat your distance each time. Look at how many meters you traveled in that time. “Your form will get worse over time,” Matheny says. It’s more challenging than a normal plank where your hands are on the floor because the BOSU tests your balance, says Sanford. However, if you can comfortably do 20 reps right now, he suggests ramping it up to 25. Simple Daily Exercises to Shrink Stubborn Belly Fat Strengthening these core muscles also helps increase your metabolism, ultimately helping you to burn more calories and fat.Instead, the most effective way to lose belly fat is by combining full-body strength training with high-intensity movements that elevate your heart rate and engage your core.Within two months, she noticed improved core strength, reduced back pain, flatter stomach and more confidence in getting into compound lifts.Simultaneously, lift your legs and upper body to meet in the middle, forming a V shape.This combination of protein and fiber also reduces cravings, helping you stay on track with your weight loss goals.“Your form will get worse over time,” Matheny says.Added sugars and refined carbohydrates also contribute to weight gain and abdominal fat.Exercises like deadlifts, squats, and bench presses target multiple muscle groups, including your core, which helps reduce belly fat. Each controlled drop and lift strengthens your waistline and builds endurance in your core. Performed at a fast pace, this move melts fat quickly while sharpening endurance and lower-body speed. It’s an efficient way to strengthen your lower body while tightening your waistline with every rep. Start in a plank position and alternate tapping your shoulders without shifting your hips. I would focus on nutrition, stress management, quality sleep, and the addition of an infrared sauna into your workout routine or wellness plan. Keep your movements smooth and core engaged. Simultaneously, lift your legs and upper body to meet in the middle, forming a V shape. Engage your core and lift your hips toward the ceiling, forming an inverted V (pike). This full-body power move is driven by the upper body but has a large demand on the lower body as well. Loaded carries come in all manner of varieties, and they build critical strength you can use every day, too. This one rings true with the old saying, “if you don’t use it, you lose it”. This exercise challenges you to nail triple extension (extension and straightening at the hip, knee, and ankle) in one fluid motion. You have to be explosive to drive the kettlebell up, but you need your whole body to handle the momentum, staying tense for swing after swing. Any form of fasting helps you with weight loss because you are reducing your caloric intake.Performed at a fast pace, this move melts fat quickly while sharpening endurance and lower-body speed.Side planks are a variation of the traditional plank that targets your obliques and core muscles.There are a few machines that will target, engage and build your core muscles.Exercises to lose belly fat work by burning overall body fat, including the stubborn fat around your midsection.(Don’t get off the rowing machine or even let go of the handle when you rest, says Penfold.) Repeat this eight times, trying to beat your distance each time.They’re an excellent choice for exercises to lose belly fat because they elevate your heart rate and build endurance. Ramp up the challenge—and fat-burning capabilities—by adding a load. Here are the top moves you want to have in your workouts to blast belly fat. Remember, these exercises should be combined with a balanced, nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle to achieve optimal results. It engages multiple muscle groups, including your core, legs, and upper body. Hanging leg raises are an advanced exercise that targets your lower abdominal muscles and hip flexors. Keep your spine straight and engage your core. Hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands and twist your torso to move the weight side to side. Hold this position while engaging your core. There are some great core-focused exercises that will address fat all over the body, while also strengthening and helping defined abdominals. But, if you have excess weight around your midsection that doesn’t make you feel your best, you may prioritize the best stomach exercises to lose belly fat at home. For best results, focus on progressive overload – gradually increase your intensity to keep challenging your muscles and burning fat efficiently. This high-intensity exercise burns fat while strengthening your core. Using either a kettlebell or barbell, this move engages your entire posterior chain while burning calories and strengthening your core. Try: Overhead medicine ball slams The most effective method of intermittent fasting is something that can be easily maintained, based on your daily routine.That comes down to lowering your body fat percentage to a point where abdominal muscles are visible – that's between 14 –24% for women.This exercise engages your core while improving balance.“When your body tries to find control as your balance is challenged, your abs, obliques, and deep transverse abdominal muscles are activated,” he says.To make it more enjoyable, try using the treadmills at Crunch Fitness, where you can adjust the incline and speed to suit your fitness level.Hold the plank for 30 to 45 seconds, increasing the time as you get stronger.The plank to pike strengthens the shoulders, core, and hip flexors. ‘Your rectus abdominis, or 'six-pack' muscles, are only part of it.’ Remember, there’s no quick fix for belly fat. This isolates the lower abs, often a trouble area for belly fat. Within two months, she noticed improved core strength, reduced back pain, flatter stomach and more confidence in getting into compound lifts. I’m passionate about creating personalized workout programs that not only transform physiques but also empower individuals to live healthier, more confident lives. She’s reported on topics regarding health, nutrition, mental health, fitness, sex, and relationships for several years. Cori Ritchey, C.S.C.S., is the fitness editor at Women's Health, as well as a certified strength and condition coach and group fitness instructor. That means that yes, going too hard in the gym nonstop can actually keep you from dropping belly fat. A 45-minute cycling session can burn many calories, especially when incorporating interval training. The elliptical trainer is a low-impact option that still delivers a full-body workout. Visceral fat is particularly concerning as it increases the risk of serious health issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and more. Fortunately, you can reduce subcutaneous and visceral fat with the right combination of exercise and diet. Belly fat is more than a cosmetic issue; it poses health risks like heart disease and high blood pressure. Are you time-efficient with your workouts? Another high-intensity exercise that boosts metabolism. Complete 3 sets of 30 seconds each.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e Begin in a plank position and drive your knees toward your chest at a fast pace, as if running. Try: Tricep extension push-ups You shouldn’t be eating this amount of calories; you need more than that. To be clear, this doesn’t mean you should stop eating and do six-hour workouts. That means it doesn’t typically want to go away, and we have to work both smartly and intensely to limit our fat stores. Our bodies are programmed to store fat, whether we like it or not, since fat is the most abundant source of energy we can tap into for day-to-day functioning. However, people over 65 today are generally healthier and live longer than past generations. Ready to achieve a flatter stomach and a healthier lifestyle? Don’t forget to manage stress and get enough sleep, as these factors can contribute to weight gain. Bicycle crunches are a dynamic core movement that targets the entire abdominal region, including the lower abs and obliques. Using a stability ball for crunches can increase the intensity and engagement of your core muscles. Burpees are a challenging full-body exercise that combines a squat, a plank, and a jump. Mountain climbers are a full-body exercise that not only engages your core but also works your arms, shoulders, and legs. Russian twists are a dynamic exercise that targets the obliques (the muscles on the sides of your abdomen). Bicycle crunches are a dynamic core movement that targets the entire abdominal region, including the lower abs and obliques.It’s more about building up muscle mass while limiting extra fat storage.Remember, these exercises should be combined with a balanced, nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle to achieve optimal results.Get free weekly workouts and no-nonsense training insights delivered straight to your inbox.Keep your core tight, drawing your belly button in toward your spine.There are multiple elements to losing belly fat and none of them has anything to do with crash dieting or unsafe eating protocols.It’s gentle on the joints while effectively burning calories. V-ups are a challenging exercise that engages your entire core, including your rectus abdominis, obliques, and hip flexors. They require significant core strength and can be challenging for beginners. Reverse crunches are a variation of the classic crunch that targets the lower abdominal muscles. This high-intensity move can help burn calories and build endurance. They also engage the rectus abdominis, making them an excellent choice for overall core strengthening. Deadlifts are a compound movement that burns calories while engaging the core, back, and legs. Bicycle crunches engage the rectus abdominis and obliques simultaneously, making them highly effective for belly fat reduction. This exercise strengthens the obliques and improves rotational core strength. They’re an excellent choice for exercises to lose belly fat because they work multiple abdominal muscles.They’re an excellent choice for exercises to lose belly fat because they work multiple muscle groups simultaneously.Strength training is also essential for building muscle mass and boosting fat loss.Instead of chasing endless crunches or treadmill miles, focus on functional exercises that fire up multiple muscle groups at once.Russian twists target the obliques and deep core muscles, helping to define the waistline while improving rotational strength.The constant movement keeps your heart rate up, turning a simple crunch into a fat-burning, waist-shaping drill.This engages your entire core and helps in reducing visceral fat.Core exercises like planks and crunches can help reduce waist size.To boost fat loss, Matheny recommends being mindful of the calories you’re taking in, while also being aware of how much you burn. While spot reduction is a myth, abdominal exercises strengthen your core and improve posture. It’s gentle on the joints while effectively burning calories. Exercises like deadlifts, squats, and bench presses target multiple muscle groups, including your core, which helps reduce belly fat. Building muscle through strength training helps boost your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories at rest. This movement requires full control of the core and improves overall abdominal strength. This explosive movement engages the core, legs, and upper body while providing a serious cardiovascular challenge. Many people believe that endless crunches will burn off stomach fat, but the truth is that spot reduction doesn’t work. Engage your core and press up onto your hands, one at a time, to reach a high plank position. Overdoing cardio without strength training can also lead to muscle loss, lowering your metabolic rate. As a lifelong athlete and founder of HOTWORX, I’ve spent decades studying what truly works for fat loss and body transformation. The nonstop effort keeps your metabolism revved up and burns more calories in less time. It’s also important to allow your muscles adequate rest and recovery time between intense workouts. Side planks are a variation of the traditional plank that targets your obliques and core muscles. Leg raises are a targeted exercise for strengthening your lower abdominal muscles. This comprehensive guide provides a variety of workouts to burn calories and tone your core. Expect to notice fat loss on your face and neck first, but trust the process nevertheless. Eventually, that approach will have you erasing the belly fat you want to eliminate. You may not drop fat from your belly first, but your goal should be to burn fat period. That means fat loss winds up coming from eating smartly (but not too little) and generating a more high-octane metabolism. This is your starting point in your journey to drop belly fat, and fat in general. This is what Matheny calls a “multi-joint movement” that gets your whole body and core involved. Push your hands against the floor to lift your body up into a plank and then jump your feet just outside of your hands. Ahead, find the best ab workouts to help define and strengthen your midsection. Use a step tracker and calorie counting app to help you on your weight loss journey and chart your success. Any form of fasting helps you with weight loss because you are reducing your caloric intake. You can do several sets, depending on how challenging you find them. Then, extend your arms straight until you’re back in a plank position. Drive your right knee toward your chest and then bring it back to plank. Keep your core tight, drawing your belly button in toward your spine. Similarly, mountain climbers test your strength and endurance. Core exercises like planks and crunches can help reduce waist size. Strength training is also essential for building muscle mass and boosting fat loss. Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to target stubborn belly fat more effectively. The twisting motion increases muscle engagement, making this one of the best exercises for sculpting a leaner waistline. This movement helps tighten the midsection while burning excess fat. This exercise challenges balance, coordination, and core control while targeting the legs and obliques together. Losing stubborn belly fat after 40 takes more than long cardio sessions. Access the best live & on-demand workouts anytime, anywhere with Crunch+. For example, a dish like Tabbouleh with Chickpeas provides a perfect mix of fiber and nutrients to support fat loss. Let me show you the proven exercises and strategies that have helped countless people finally achieve their belly-fat burning goals. When performed at speed, they deliver the calorie-burning punch of a sprint while keeping constant pressure on your core muscles. The following eight exercises strike the perfect balance between core strength and calorie burn. Just be sure that your technique doesn’t suffer as you increase your weight, which can lead to injury. “Lifting heavy is where you see more of an after-burn effect. Then, rest for 30 seconds and do a different exercise for another 30 seconds. Though this style of exercise tends to include jumping and other high-impact moves, which may not be recommended for all. Matheny says you can even do short “power bursts” of 20 seconds at a time. And if you enjoyed this article, don’t miss these 100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet. Progress may be slow, but it’s always worth it. Aim for a combination of regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management. Alternate knees in a running motion while keeping your core engaged. Losing belly fat, especially stubborn visceral fat, isn’t about following one magic diet. From personalized workout plans to expert-led classes, you’ll find everything you need to stay on track and enjoy your fitness journey. Place your hands behind your head and lift your upper body towards your knees, engaging your core. This engages your entire core and helps in reducing visceral fat. For example, try holding a plank position with your elbows under your shoulders and your body in a straight line from head to heels. That comes down to lowering your body fat percentage to a point where abdominal muscles are visible – that's between 14 –24% for women. Your diet, stress levels and sleep play just as (if not more) important role in your body being able to effectively lose fat. However, they won't necessarily help with reducing belly fat, as fat loss and muscle gain are separate processes. Cardio machines can help you reduce belly fat, not by decreasing fat in a specific area, but by contributing to fat loss overall. There are a few machines that will target, engage and build your core muscles. While technically not a specific exercise that targets and tones your stomach, compound exercises such as squats and deadlifts, when done with proper form and your core is braced, will lead to stronger abs.