3 Exercises That Target The Dreaded Muffin Top

26 March 2018
 Categories: , Blog

Share  

Characterized by excess fat spilling over the top of the waistline of your paints, the muffin top is a problem area for many people. While unappealing and uncomfortable for many, the excess weight around your waistline can also be dangerous. A larger waist has been linked to dementia, heart disease, breast cancer, and even asthma. Thankfully, a healthy diet and specific areas can target your muffin top. Here are a few exercises to consider if you want to rid your body of the muffin top.

1. Side Plank

Planks not only strengthen your core, but these movements also tone your midsection. A side plank targets both your middle abdominal muscles and the love handles, which create the dreaded muffin top.

To perform side planks, lay on the floor on the side of your body. Use your arm to prop up your upper body, using your elbow and forearm for support. Raise your body, so your hips are off the ground.

Make sure your body forms a straight line from the ankles to your shoulders. Hold the position for as long as you are comfortable before releasing and then repeating the plank position on the other side of your body.

2. Bike Crunch

If you have ever tried to tone your stomach, you probably have used crunches. For your muffin top, opt for a unique take on the traditional crunch. Known as the bike crunch, this exercise targets all portions of your abdominal muscles including the muffin top and middle sections.

Lie on your back and place your hands behind your head. Bens your knees, as well. Lift your head, curling into your body, while lifting one knee towards the opposite elbow. Hold the position for a second before leasing and completing the same crunch motion with the opposite knee and elbow.

Continue crunching for a few minutes, working each side of your body to target the excess fat of your muffin top.

3. Swim

If you have the ability, consider swimming a few laps in a pool.

Swimming is a low-impact, cardiovascular exercise that gets your blood pumping without much effort. Cardiovascular exercise is effective for burning fat, but it is also ideal for targeting specific parts of your muscles.

The twisting of the body while swimming traditional laps in a pool strengthens and tones the abdominal muscles, reducing the excess fat on your muffin top while improving your core.

Erasing your muffin top overnight is not possible, but you can diminish the excess fat in this area over time. These exercises are not only enjoyable, but they are also effective along with a healthy diet. Contact a company like Spartan Fitness for more information and assistance.