To shed pounds and burn stubborn belly fat, diet is crucial. However, pairing it with regular physical activity skyrockets your chances of success. You don’t need a gym membership to achieve your goals. Simple, accessible exercises, effective enough to be done at home, can do wonders. Personal trainer Stacy Orsborn, featured in GQ, swears by one particular exercise: squats. Whether you’re a newbie or a fitness pro, squats can help you lose weight and build muscle.
Squats: The Best Exercise for Burning Fat?
Squats aren’t just exercise classics for no reason. They target multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Stacy Orsborn notes that squats engage not only your legs and glutes but also your core. This makes them a near-complete workout, especially if you mix in upper-body movements. Beyond muscle building, squats are fantastic for burning stubborn belly fat. Plus, they’re joint-friendly, making them suitable for all ages.
Trainer Don Saladino echoes this sentiment. He emphasizes that squats activate the core, legs, and glutes, blending muscle definition with fat melting. So, you better believe they can help chisel those abs. Various squat versions exist to keep things interesting. Start simple with the classic squat, and up the ante with moves like sumo squats, Bulgarian squats, or pistol squats. As you get more experienced, you can add weights or combine squats with other exercises like a shoulder press or bicep curls.
How to Do Fat-Burning Squats
Perfecting your squat form is essential for effectiveness and safety. Start with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly pointing outward. Engage your core by tightening your abs and keep your back straight. Shift your weight to your heels and lower yourself as if sitting in a chair, pushing your hips back. Lower until your thighs are parallel to the floor, ensuring your knees align with your feet. To return to standing, drive through your heels, contracting your glutes as you rise. Maintain an upright chest and straight gaze to keep your posture in check.
This article first appeared on grazia.fr – Author: Luce Picat
