| The fastest and safest way to start burning that | | | | decide how much time you want to extend your |
| excess fat accumulated around your middle is | | | | walks. Obviously, the more time and energy |
| through a regular cardio workout. Always check | | | | expended, the more fat you'll burn. Just don't |
| with your primary care provider before starting | | | | over-do it, however. Moderation is key to good |
| any exercise regimen. | | | | health. Keep your primary health care provider |
| One of the best workouts to lose stomach and | | | | updated about your progress and any physical |
| lower belly fat is walking. Recent studies have | | | | problems that may arise. |
| shown that alternating fast walking with slower | | | | During weeks 5-6, you can add other exercises |
| paced routines has more fat-burning effectiveness | | | | to specifically target your stomach and |
| than to maintain the same pace throughout your | | | | abdominals. These include crunches, lunges, cross |
| daily walks. | | | | punch, knee twists, and side pull downs. If these |
| Here's an easy to follow regimen: | | | | sound foreign to you, you may consider buying an |
| Week 1-2: Warm-up five minutes, then Easy | | | | basic exercise tape/DVD that demonstrates how |
| pace; Moderate paced walk; Power (quick | | | | to do these movements correctly. |
| vigorous) walk. 20 minutes each session (Walking | | | | You could also consult with a fitness expert or |
| 3 times a day.) | | | | personal trainer or join a gym or fitness club. |
| Week 3-4: Same routine as above but add arm | | | | Additionally, you could sign up for an exercise |
| exercises as you walk. You could actually use light | | | | class specifically designed for people whose goal is |
| weights, including those made especially for | | | | to lose weight. |
| walkers. If you don't have weights or don't feel | | | | In recent years Pilates has become extremely |
| ready to use them yet, you can just bend your | | | | popular. Pilates increases strength and flexibility, |
| arms at shoulder level, pulling your hands towards | | | | boosts metabolism, reduces stress, and |
| your shoulders as if you're doing a biceps curl. Curl | | | | proportedly results in wholistic health benefits. |
| both arms simultaneously as you walk. | | | | Most local drug stores sell basic Pilates VHS/DVDs |
| During your "Power" walks, add an arm exercise | | | | for the convenience of doing these exercises in |
| in which you raise your arms out in front of you | | | | the comfort of your home. Another advantage of |
| like you're punching. Alternate your arms in | | | | Pilates is that this model teaches safe, controlled |
| opposition to your legs. | | | | techniques to safely accomplish weight loss goals. |
| The third arm exercise is the Press. Alternate | | | | Losing stomach fat and lower belly fat is easily |
| reaching your arms over your head, like you're | | | | achieved through this simple yet highly effective |
| pressing a weight away from you. Symbolic, isn't | | | | walking program, along with a low-calorie, |
| it? These arm exercises work your core and | | | | nutritious diet. |
| obliques, sculpting your waist. | | | | Remember: "Each journey starts with a first |
| Week 5-6: Continue your walking routine but you | | | | step." Make your decision to take control today. |
| should be able now to increase your walking time, | | | | Choose to take your first steps today and start |
| as well as quicken your pace comfortably during | | | | your walking program to improve your health and |
| the Power walk portion of your routine. You | | | | extend your life. |