Picture this: You’ve just completed an intense workout—your muscles are burning, sweat is pouring, and you’re ready to call it a day. But if you’re serious about melting belly fat and carving out a lean physique, now is the perfect time to add a powerful finisher to your routine. I’ve rounded up some of the best workout finishers to melt belly fat and strengthen your midsection.
These workout finishers are designed to torch belly fat, boost 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
The burpee is a full-body exercise that skyrockets your heart rate and melts fat. This finisher combines high intensity with relentless repetition, ensuring every last calorie is torched.
Directions:
- Perform as many burpees as possible in 60 seconds.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 5 rounds.
How To Do It:
- Begin in a standing position.
- Drop down into a squat.
- Kick your feet back.
- Perform a pushup.
- Jump back to a squat.
- Explode up into a jump.
Pro Tips:
- 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 have your abs burning and your heart pumping.
Directions:
- Sprint in place with mountain climbers for 30 seconds.
- Rest for 15 seconds.
- Repeat for 8 rounds.
How To Do It:
- Start in a high plank.
- Alternate bringing one knee then the next up to your chest quickly.
Pro Tips:
- Drive your knees toward your chest quickly and powerfully.
- Maintain 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.
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 slightly bend your knees.
- Swing the kettlebell forward, keeping your arms straight.
- As the kettlebell reaches shoulder height, hinge back at the hips.
Pro Tips:
- Use your hips to generate power, not your arms.
- Keep your core tight throughout the movement.
High Knee Sprint Circuit
High knees are a fast-paced, high-intensity exercise that targets the abs and legs. This finisher will leave you breathless and dripping in sweat.
Directions:
- Sprint in place with high knees for 30 seconds.
- Rest for 15 seconds.
- Repeat for 8 rounds.
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 to your chest.
- Continue alternating knees as quickly as possible.
Pro Tips:
- Pump your arms to increase intensity.
- Keep your knees as high as possible to engage your core fully.
Battle Rope Blitz
Battle ropes are an incredible tool for burning fat and building muscle simultaneously. 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 slams for 30 seconds.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 5 rounds.
Pro Tips:
- Stay low in a squat 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 for melting belly fat.
Directions:
- Perform 20 slams.
- Rest for 20 seconds.
- Repeat for 10 rounds.
How To Do It:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding the medicine ball overhead.
- Engage your core, and slam the ball down to the ground in front of you.
- Catch the ball on the rebound, and repeat the movement.
- Use your entire body to generate power. Keep a strong grip on the ball.
Pro Tips:
- Engage your core as you slam 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 will help tighten your midsection and torch stubborn belly fat.
Directions:
- Perform as many walkouts as possible in 60 seconds.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 5 rounds.
How To Do It:
- Start in a standing position.
- Walk your hands out into a plank, then walk back up.
Pro Tips:
- Keep your core tight to avoid sagging in the lower back.
- Move slowly and with control to maximize muscle engagement.
Rowing Machine Sprints
Rowing is a full-body exercise that’s 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.
How To Do It:
- Sit upright at a rowing machine with your feet braced and your knees slightly bent.
- Grasp the handle with both hands.
- Pull the handle toward your abdomen, visualizing crushing a piece of fruit in your armpit.
- Retract your shoulder blades and squeeze at the end range of motion.
- Slowly return to the start position.
Pro Tips:
- Focus on explosive power with each pull.
- Keep your strokes long and strong to maintain speed.
Jump Rope Fury
Jumping rope is a simple yet highly effective way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness. This finisher will help you shed belly fat and improve coordination.
Directions:
- Jump rope for 60 seconds.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 10 rounds.
Pro Tips:
- Keep your core engaged to help with balance and coordination.
- Vary your jump style (e.g., single-leg, double-unders) for added challenge.
Tyler Read, BSc, CPT