For many people, the waist is often the first place excess fat goes. Unfortunately, it is also one of the hardest areas on our bodies to lose weight. Having a “muffin top” is not only unappealing, but it is also unhealthy to have on our bodies. In fact, having excess belly, or abdominal, fat is worse than having excess fat on most other places on our body. Belly fat or visceral fat is a huge proponent of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes and can even bring on stroke. Here are 5 tips to help get rid of that belly fat.

1. Pelvic Tilt: This isometric exercise works all three muscles in the midsection to improve joint stability and mobility as well as overall muscular strength. How to do it? 

A. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat

B. Place towel under small of your back

C. Tighten abs

D. Press small of your back into the floor, making the towel unable to pull free. 

E. Hold for 6 seconds and release.

F. Do 6 sets of 4-8 reps.

2. Superman Workout
A strong lower back is essential for abs to develop. The Superman move will strengthen your lower back to create a balance between the front and back muscles, helping to move gracefully, lift heavier weights, boost metabolism and tone muscles. 

A. Lie face down on the floor. Arms should be straight and extended directly over the top of your head. Keep legs straight and together. 

B. Simultaneously lift your arms, chest and legs up toward the ceiling. Keep limbs straight, but not locked. Your body will form a gentle curve.

C. Hold for 30 seconds, then lower. Repeat 3 times. 

3. Oblique Sit-ups

A. Lie on your back with feet on the floor and knees bent. 

B. Cross your left foot over your right knee. Left ankle should be just below your right knee. 

C. Reach left arm straight out to the side. Bend right arm, cupping your right ear. 

D. Curl your upper body diagonally toward your left knee.

E. Do 2 sets of 12 reps on each side.

5. Alternating Arm and Leg Raises
A bit of coordination is necessary for this exercise, but once you get the hang of it, your body will feel the burn as your internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis and hip flexors contract for a full frontal workout. 

A. Lie on your back. Arms and legs should be straight.

B. Put your left heel on top of your right toes.

C. Raise your right arm straight up toward the ceiling.

D. Tighten your abs. Hold. 

E. Lift your left foot two to three inches above your right foot. Hold. 

F. Reach toward your left foot with your right arm by rotating and flexing your trunk. 

G. When you have reached a comfortable end range, hold for one full second. Keep your lower and middle back on the floor. 

H. Maintain a tempo of 3 seconds up, 1 second hold, 3 seconds down. 

I. Do 2 sets of 15-20 reps.

6. Planks are your best friend.

Planks are the secret to getting a flatter stomach. Many people don't perform them to the best of their ability. Making simple tweaks to a basic plank will create more tension throughout your entire core. Do a regular (straight-arm) plank but make sure the soles of your feet are perpendicular to the floor and then gently drive your heels away from each other.