With summer right around the corner, people are jumping into high gear trying to lose the few extra pounds they have put on during winter. It’s easy to slack off on working out when the holidays approach and we are busy preparing meals and spending time with family. It should be known that shedding a bit of weight in the midsection is not too difficult. These following exercises to lose belly fat will help you get the body you want.

Planks are one of the most common belly fat exercises. They are very effective in working the abdominal muscles, and help strengthen the area as well as make it slimmer. To do this exercise, you need to lie down on your stomach while propping yourself up on your elbows. You then lift your body up so the only thing touch the floor is your elbows, forearms, and toes.

Be sure to lift your body evenly so your stomach is not sagging and your bottom is not high in the air. Hold this position as long as possible and then lower yourself back to the floor. Try to increase the amount of time you hold the plank with each repetition.

There is variation of this exercise called the side plank, and it is another of the most effective exercises to lose belly fat. You begin in the same position of lying on your stomach. When you are ready, you will roll to one side and lift your body off the ground. If you roll to your right, for example, you will be supported by your right elbow, forearm, and foot. Your left foot should be resting on top of the right, and your hips should be off the ground. Hold this position as long as possible and then switch to the other side.

The standing crossover as also been seen as one of the top exercises to lose belly fat. For this exercise, you will stand with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder width apart. Bend your arms at the elbows so your forearms are at a ninety degree angle to the floor with your palms facing forward. Raise your left knee up toward your right hand while bring your right elbow down to meet the knee in the middle. Touch the two body parts together; hold the position for 1-2 seconds, then return to the starting position. Then change to the other two parts. Alternate between the two steps for 10-15 times.