How to Lose Belly Fat

Olympian’s Advise on How to Lose Belly Fat

Olympic athlete and former competitive sprinter Samantha Clayton was recently in Manila leading hundreds that joined a fun run activity to promote active, healthy lifestyle at the Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill, Taguig.

Clayton, who is also the Director of Fitness Education at Herbalife, was in the country in relation to Herbalife Philippines’ 20th anniversary celebration. During the event she has emphasized the benefits of having an active lifestyle. “Exercise is good for your body, your mind and for your social life,” she said.

She also gave tips on addressing problem areas such as the bulge around the waist.

“It’s frustrating that, although you may be making an effort with your diet and trying to exercise more, sometimes it feels impossible to reduce fat around your belly. With an active lifestyle there are several steps you can take to help you become or remain trim all over,” she explained.

There is no such thing as spot reduction, she revealed, it’s a disheartening fact but hundreds of sit-ups and stomach crunches on their own won’t immediately help. The good news is that with diet and exercise together, you can burn your excess fat by following these belly fat busting tips:

1. Belly buster Tip 1:  Make time to be active

Although you can’t spot reduce and only target a flabby tummy, you shouldn’t discount the benefits of general exercise.  If you can find time for a physical activity every day, then you’ll soon find yourself firming up all over. You may have heard it before but being active and becoming physically fit is also a wonderful way to cut through the stress in your life. 

2. Belly buster tip 2:  Take a deep breath

Try practicing conscious breathing. Inhale through your nose and let the air expand into your tummy. Breathe out through your mouth. Stopping work and taking 5-10 conscious breaths can calm your mind and give you a rejuvenating time out. Don’t let stress creep up and leave you feeling frazzled by the end of the day, that way may lead to comfort eating.  Try this breathing technique as often as you remember (you may even want to stick up a post-it note to yourself).  Take the time to think about your body and how you want it to look.  This mindful technique may help you avoid a donut or re-prioritize a trip to the gym.

3. Belly buster tip 3:  Pull your shoulders back and your tummy in

Schedule a stretching break instead of a coffee break. You can do simple stretches and exercises from the comfort of your office chair or while you’re on the phone. Try pulling in your tummy when you are sitting or standing for 30 seconds at a time and you’ll be strengthening your core stomach muscles. And, if you have a minute, then take a moment to stand up straight, pull your shoulders back and walk tall. Improving your posture can help make you feel more alert and in better shape.

Although there are no quick-fix solutions, you’ll instantly feel better if you begin to exercise, take control of your figure and make the time to think about you.  Whatever your problem area – be it a wobbly belly, thunder thighs or a double chin – with a consistent exercise routine and patience you can improve your physique.