What are the best exercises to lose belly fat?

There is no way to spot-reduce fat in one specific area, so the best approach combines full-body cardio with strength training. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is particularly effective because it burns calories during and after the workout. Running, cycling, swimming, and rowing are excellent steady-state cardio options. Compound strength exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench press build muscle, which raises your resting metabolism and burns more fat overall. Core exercises like planks, mountain climbers, and bicycle crunches strengthen the abdominal muscles underneath the fat, but they won't directly melt belly fat on their own. Consistency, combined with a calorie-controlled diet, is what ultimately reduces belly fat. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.