Locations:
SearchThe short answer from a medical weight management expert
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/af42aa1e-cec4-4b48-b78b-acf18de8b608/sitUpsBellyFat-1176156246-770x533-1_jpg)
woman performing sit ups
A: No. Sit ups are great for tightening your core. They strengthen and tone your rectus abdominus, transverse abdominus and oblique abdominal muscles as well as your neck muscles. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends three sets of 8 to 12 repetitions three times per week.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
To burn belly fat, you need 45 to 60 minutes of high-intensity cardiovascular activity (running, playing soccer or basketball, jumping rope, power-walking, etc.) on most days of the week. You also need to reduce your intake of processed foods, fast foods and alcohol.
But just because sit ups won’t get rid of your belly fat doesn’t mean you should skip them! Sit ups are essential for strengthening your core — something that’s obvious. But your core is responsible for so much more than those classic “six pack” abs many strive for. A strong core can reduce back pain, improve balance and increase your flexibility. Core muscles also support your hips and pelvis. Finally, a strong core will help you build good posture.
— Medical weight management expert Karen Cooper, DO
Advertisement
Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
A healthy diet, regular exercise and in-office treatments may help minimize the dimply appearance
Visceral fat surrounds your organs and can be more detrimental to your health
Having a BMI in the healthy range doesn’t mean you’re safe from health conditions often associated with obesity
Weight gain is natural as we age — but it can be cause for concern
Seeing double (chins) when taking selfies? From exercises to surgery, you can reduce or eliminate chin fat, but there’s no overnight solution
Discover why one kind of fat can be fatal
Get ready to squeeze your glutes, lift your quads and reverse some crunches
Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily, and the number only grows with activity
Sweat less by using antiperspirant, wearing breathable fabrics and talking to a provider about medical options
Following a few simple gym rules can help you feel confident, avoid awkward moments and stay safe
If your kidneys are healthy, an uptick in protein is usually fine, but going overboard can be risky
