9 Effective Workout Finishers to Burn Belly Fat
Picture this: You’ve just completed an intense workout—your muscles are burning, the sweat is flowing, and you’re ready to call it a day. But if you’re serious about melting belly fat and creating a lean physique, now is the perfect time to add a powerful finisher to your routine. I’ve rounded up some of the best workouts to melt belly fat and strengthen your midsection.
These workout finishers are designed to burn belly fat, increase your metabolism and push your body to its limits. Incorporate them at the end of your workouts, and you’ll be on the fast track to a shredded midsection.
Burpee Blast
Burpee is a full body exercise that raises your heart rate and melts fat. This finisher combines high intensity with relentless repetition, ensuring every last calorie is burned.
Directions:
- Do as many burpees as possible in 60 seconds.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 5 rounds.
Here’s how to do it:
- Start in a standing position.
- Drop into a squat.
- Kick your feet back.
- Perform a pushup.
- Jump back into a squat.
- Explode up in a jump.
Pro tip:
- Keep your core engaged to maximize abdominal activation.
- Focus on explosive power during the jump to increase calorie burn.
Mountain climber sprint
Mountain climbers are a dynamic movement that targets your core while delivering a cardiovascular challenge. This finisher will get your stomach burning and your heart pumping.
Directions:
- Sprint in place with mountain climbers for 30 seconds.
- Rest for 15 seconds.
- Repeat for 8 rounds.
Here’s how to do it:
- Start in a high plank.
- Alternate quickly bringing one knee up and then the next up to the chest.
Pro tip:
- Drive your knees toward your chest quickly and forcefully.
- Keep a flat back to prevent lower back strain.
Kettlebell Swing Inferno
Kettlebell swings are an explosive movement that engages the entire body, especially the core. This finisher not only melts belly fat but also builds strength and power.
Directions:
- Perform 20 kettlebell swings.
- Rest for 20 seconds.
- Repeat for 10 rounds.
Here’s how to do it:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding the kettlebell with both hands between your legs.
- Hinge at your hips and bend your knees slightly.
- Swing the kettlebell forward and keep your arms straight.
- When the kettlebell reaches shoulder height, swing back at the hips.
Pro tip:
- Use your hips to generate power, not your arms.
- Keep your core tight throughout the movement.
High Knee Sprint Circuit
High knees is a high-intensity, fast-paced workout that targets the stomach and legs. This finisher will leave you breathless and dripping with sweat.
Directions:
- Sprint in place with high knees for 30 seconds.
- Rest for 15 seconds.
- Repeat for 8 rounds.
Here’s how to do it:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
- Lift your right knee to your chest.
- Quickly switch to lift your left knee toward your chest.
- Continue alternating knees as quickly as possible.
Pro tip:
- Pump your arms to increase the intensity.
- Keep your knees as high as possible to fully engage your core.
Battle Rope Blitz
Battle ropes are an incredible tool for burning fat and building muscle at the same time. This finisher is guaranteed to challenge your core and push your cardiovascular system to the limit.
Directions:
- Perform alternating waves for 30 seconds.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Perform rope strokes for 30 seconds.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 5 rounds.
Pro tip:
- Stay low in a kneeling position to engage your core and legs.
- Move the ropes as fast as possible to maximize calorie burn.
Medicine Ball Slams
Medicine ball slams are an explosive exercise that works your core and upper body while burning fat. This finisher is a perfect addition to any routine to melt belly fat.
Directions:
- Perform 20 blasts.
- Rest for 20 seconds.
- Repeat for 10 rounds.
Here’s how to do it:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold the medicine ball overhead.
- Engage your core and slam the ball down to the ground in front of you.
- Catch the ball on the return and repeat the movement.
- Use your entire body to generate power. Keep a firm grip on the ball.
Pro tip:
- Engage your core as you hit the ball into the ground.
- Use a heavy enough ball to challenge yourself but maintain control.
Plank Walkouts
Plank walkouts are a core-intensive movement that also engages the shoulders and legs. This finisher helps tighten your midsection and burn stubborn belly fat.
Directions:
- Perform as many departures as possible in 60 seconds.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 5 rounds.
Here’s how to do it:
- Start in a standing position.
- Walk out with your hands in a plank, then come back up.
Pro tip:
- Keep your core tight to avoid sagging in your lower back.
- Move slowly and with control to maximize muscle engagement.
Rowing machine sprints
Rowing is a full-body exercise that is particularly effective for burning belly fat. This finisher combines high-intensity sprints with short rest periods to maximize fat loss.
Directions:
- Sprint for 30 seconds on the rowing machine.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 10 rounds.
Here’s how to do it:
- Sit upright at a rowing machine with your feet flexed and knees slightly bent.
- Grasp the handle with both hands.
- Pull the handle towards your stomach and visualize crushing a piece of fruit in your armpit.
- Pull the shoulder blades back and squeeze at the end of the range of motion.
- Slowly return to the starting position.
Pro tip:
- Focus on explosive power with every move.
- Keep your strokes long and strong to maintain momentum.
Jump Rope Fury
Jumping rope is a simple but highly effective way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness. This finisher will help you lose belly fat and improve coordination.
Directions:
- Jump rope for 60 seconds.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 10 rounds.
Pro tip:
- Keep your core engaged to help with balance and coordination.
- Vary your jumping style (eg single leg, double under) for extra challenge.
Tyler Read, BSc, CPT
Tyler Read is a personal trainer and has been involved in health and fitness for the past 15 years. Read more about Tyler