If You're Running to Lose Belly Fat, Try These 3 Suggestions

Running doesn't just have physical benefits like improving your cardiovascular health and making your lower body and core strong. It can also have unbelievable mental benefits that include improved mood and energy. Many people also turn to running to help them lower their body fat percentage. But if you found running isn't offering you the results you're after, especially if you're trying to reduce belly fat, try these suggestions.

POPSUGAR Photography | Rima Brindamour

Run a Little Longer

Unfortunately you can't spot treat when it comes to weight loss, which is one reason solely doing crunches won't whittle your waistline. The key is to decrease overall body fat, and the one way to do that is to burn more calories by lengthening your workout. Keep in mind that every five minutes of running at a 10-minute-per-mile pace burns about 45 calories.

Switch Up Your Pace

Intervals can help you reduce belly fat; instead of running at the same pace for the entire workout, try alternating between periods of pushing your body to the max and periods of recovery. Here's a list of interval workouts for you to try:

High Knees

You're working hard to diminish your overall body weight, which will slim down your belly so you can reveal toned abs underneath. Here's one way to strengthen your core. Do one-minute intervals in which you run with high knees (like in this cardio workout you can do in your living room). Concentrate on using your abs rather than your leg muscles to kick your knees up as high as you can.

POPSUGAR Photography | Rima Brindamour