No-sweat ways to slim
These shortcuts may make you feel like you’re slacking off, but they really fast-track results
Plank instead of crunches melts belly fat 31% faster
Getting a whittled middle doesn’t require crunching until your belly aches. Researchers from the American Council on Exercise found that Pilates-style moves like the plank engage the transverse abdominis and obliques 31 percent more effectively than crunches. That means you’ll tone faster and sweat less in the process. To get the perks, hold a pushup position, with hands beneath your shoulders and your back flat, for 30 seconds.
Easing up halfway blasts 23% more fat
Slowing down toward the end of your sweat session can actually help you trim inches more efficiently. In a study at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, subjects who pushed themselves during the first half of their workout, then took it easy during the second half, burned 23 percent more fat than those who did the opposite. The researchers explain that putting in more effort early helps raise heart rate to the fat-burning zone quickly. This ensures that your body is primed to keep metabolism stoked throughout the rest of the workout even as you slow down and catch your breath. Bonus: Since the increased circulation also supplies muscles with more fuel, this strategy makes exercise feel less taxing and stressful too.