New Delhi, 01 June 2025: Struggling with stubborn belly fat but don’t have access to a gym or expensive equipment? Don’t worry — you can still achieve a toned midsection and boost your metabolism right from the comfort of your home. These no-equipment exercises target the abdominal muscles, improve core strength, and help burn belly fat effectively. All you need is a little floor space and consistency.
Here are the top 5 no-equipment exercises to help you shed belly fat naturally without stepping into a gym.
1. Plank (Forearm or High Plank)
How it works:
Planks are one of the most powerful core-strengthening exercises. They target the entire abdominal region, especially the transverse abdominis, which helps in flattening the stomach. Planks also strengthen your arms, back, and shoulders.
How to do it:
- Start on your elbows and toes (forearm plank) or with straight arms (high plank).
- Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe.
- Tighten your abs, glutes, and thighs.
- Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
Benefits:
- Boosts core endurance
- Improves posture and stability
- Burns calories even after workout due to muscle activation
2. Mountain Climbers
How it works:
This high-intensity move mimics climbing a mountain and serves as a great cardio and abdominal blaster in one. It helps burn fat quickly while building your core.
How to do it:
- Start in a high plank position.
- Bring your right knee towards your chest, then switch legs quickly.
- Continue alternating knees at a fast pace.
- Do it for 30–45 seconds. Rest and repeat 3 times.
Benefits:
- Accelerates fat burn
- Strengthens abs and legs
- Engages multiple muscles simultaneously
3. Bicycle Crunches
How it works:
Bicycle crunches are an effective bodyweight exercise that targets the upper abs, lower abs, and obliques. They also engage the hip flexors and improve overall core mobility.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back with hands behind your head.
- Bring your knees toward your chest and lift your shoulder blades off the floor.
- Rotate your torso, bringing your right elbow toward your left knee while extending your right leg.
- Switch sides in a pedaling motion.
- Do 3 sets of 20–25 reps per side.
Benefits:
- Builds abdominal strength
- Enhances flexibility and coordination
- Burns belly fat through core-focused movement
4. Leg Raises
How it works:
Leg raises primarily target the lower abdominal muscles, an area where fat tends to accumulate and linger. This move isolates the lower abs, which are hard to engage with traditional crunches.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back with legs straight and hands under your hips.
- Lift your legs up toward the ceiling while keeping them straight.
- Slowly lower them back down without touching the floor.
- Repeat for 3 sets of 15 reps.
Benefits:
- Strengthens lower abs
- Improves pelvic stability
- Effective for stubborn belly fat
5. Burpees
How it works:
Burpees are a full-body workout that combines strength training and cardio. While they don’t isolate belly fat directly, they help burn overall body fat, which is crucial for reducing abdominal fat.
How to do it:
- Start standing, then squat down and place your hands on the floor.
- Jump your feet back into a plank position.
- Do a push-up (optional).
- Jump your feet forward and leap up with arms overhead.
- Do 10–15 reps. Rest and repeat 2–3 sets.
Benefits:
- Burns fat rapidly
- Boosts cardiovascular fitness
- Tones core, chest, arms, and legs
You don’t need a gym membership or expensive equipment to lose belly fat. These no-equipment exercises can be performed anywhere — at home, in a park, or even during travel. The key is consistency and pairing these workouts with a healthy lifestyle. Target your core daily, move your body, and stay active to start seeing a flatter, stronger belly naturally.