Type of Exercises

• Unfortunately, the traditional sit-ups will not be the most effective way to beat belly flab. Sit-ups and crunches depend on the hip flexors, whereas other exercises isolate the abdominal muscles. In 2004, Dr. Peter Francis, director of San Diego State University's biomechanics lab, discovered the bicycle maneuver exercise and the captain's chair worked the abdominal muscles more than 50 percent more than traditional crunches.
  
  The crunch isn't all bad; if coupled with modifications, the exercise will target the core muscles deeper, providing a more effective workout. Extending the arms, using an exercise ball, adding a vertical leg or reversing the crunch are changes that will enhance the crunch.
  
  

Form

• Begin each abdominal workout by developing awareness of the area your want to work. Lie on the floor and consciously pull the abs in while imagining a string pulling the belly button straight down into the ground. Try to keep this sensation as you perform the belly exercises to ensure the small of the back stays on the ground or exercise ball during movements.
  
  

Frequency

• The group of abdominal muscles is capable of working out seven days a week, but start slowly to prevent injury.
  
  Master the basic crunch first, crunching 25 times a day, three times a week before moving on. Add the long-arm crunch, then the vertical leg crunch, and crunches on an exercise ball.
  
  Work up to the bicycle maneuver -- back flat while pedaling legs - aiming right elbow to left knee, then left elbow to right knee.
  
  Mix and match all the exercises until you reach 80 abdominal repetitions each session, five times a week.
  
  

Results

• While it's not possible to remove fat from one specific body part with any form of exercise, the more your strengthen the muscles in that area, the flatter the area becomes. As the muscles work, metabolism increases, eventually resulting in body fat loss.
  
  Add to your chance of success by adding regular cardio and strength work to your exercise regimen. If intent on the belly fat region, a hula hoop routine will add cardio to your daily schedule while whittling away at the waistline.