An expanding waistline isn’t just concerning because your favorite pants no longer fit well, but because a fat stomach is connected with numerous health issues including a higher risk for heart disease and diabetes, and a doubled risk of premature death. But losing belly fat isn’t always easy. While your diet is the most important contributor to obesity, staying active is crucial as well. Luckily, there are a number of exercises to reduce stomach fat you can do right at home!

What you eat plays a major role in how you look. But even if you cut calories, you will only experience limited success. The healthiest people, those with flat stomachs and glowing complexions, don’t just eat right—they exercise.

Exercises to Reduce Stomach Fat

So, what exercises to reduce stomach fat can you do at home with minimal equipment?

• Cardio! – Cardio exercise like running, dancing, walking fast, and kickboxing is a great way to burn calories. Anything that gets your heart rate going is good, but choose activities that challenge you too. Make it a goal to get 30 minutes of cardio at least 4 to 5 times a week.

• Push-ups – Your “core muscles” are those that hold you upright. They are the foundation of every single movement. And a strong core means a strong, taut tummy. Push-ups are one of the best core exercises because they require the engagement of nearly every muscle group, from your neck to your toes.

• Big Leg-Muscle Work – The muscles in your legs are big, and because muscle burns more calories than fat, building your muscle mass is a great way to rev-up your metabolism. Lunges, squats and step-ups are all perfect ways to get your legs stronger and your overall muscle mass up.

• Crunches – When the fat starts to melt away, it would be nice to have some definition, right? While sit-ups and crunches alone won’t get rid of belly fat, they can help prepare you for when you do lose your gut. Here are some great stomach-specific crunch and ab exercises.

• Reduce Stress – While it’s not a physical exercise, reducing stress can have a major impact on your waistline. Stress causes hormones to be released that tell the body to hold on to weight—that something major might be coming (like a famine!). But by meditating, getting out in nature, and just taking it easy, you can support your body as you work to lose weight. Check out these 8 other ways on how to destress – they really can change your life for the better.

While exercises to reduce stomach fat can help, diet, exercise, and stress relief are all major factors in belly fat retention. When you are able to get these three things under control and get a good night’s sleep every night, you’ll be on your way to a slimmer waist line and a healthier outlook.

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