I’ve been there—scrolling through fitness videos, wondering which ab move will finally flatten my stomach. I tried so many things over the years, but most didn’t work. It wasn’t until I made a small change—focusing on just four simple but targeted exercises at home—that I started seeing real results.
These four moves are now my go-to routine. I do them in my bedroom, no fancy gym required. They’re easy enough for beginners, but strong enough to show results fast if you stay consistent. Let me walk you through each one and how I do them.
How Did I Know These Work?
I’ve been working as a personal trainer for the past six years. I help women and men, especially beginners, build strength at home. I’m not a celebrity coach, just someone who lives this every day. These exercises I’m sharing are the same ones I teach in my own home sessions.
I’ve seen clients drop inches off their waistlines in just a few weeks—no sit-ups, no crunches, just smart, deep-core moves. These are low-impact, don’t hurt your back, and actually target the belly from the inside.
Can You Really Flatten Your Belly at Home?
Yes, absolutely. The trick is consistency and choosing moves that actually engage your core muscles. Not all ab exercises are created equal. Crunches often miss your lower abs and deep core. These four moves hit those spots hard and help you build the strength needed to pull your stomach in.
Let’s break them down.
Exercise 1: Standing Knee Drives
What It Targets
Lower abs, upper thighs, balance, and posture
How I Do It
Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart. Bring your hands in front of you like a boxing guard. Now lift your right knee towards your chest like you’re doing a high knee, but pull your core in tightly as you move. As the knee comes up, bring your arms down like you’re smashing something with your fists. Repeat 20 times on each leg.
I do 3 sets of 20 per leg. It gets my heart rate up, works my entire core, and warms me up fast.
Why It Works
This one gets overlooked, but it lights up your lower belly. You’re training your body to pull in your abs and move with control. It also helps your posture, which instantly makes your stomach look flatter.
H2: Exercise 2: Reverse Tabletop Leg Drops
What It Targets
Lower abs, pelvic floor, deep core muscles
How I Do It
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet lifted, so your shins are parallel to the floor (tabletop). Place your hands under your hips if you need back support. Slowly lower your right leg toward the floor—just a few inches. Pull your belly button in as tight as you can. Bring it back to start, then lower the left.
I do 3 sets of 10 on each side. It doesn’t look fancy, but you’ll feel it within seconds.
Why It Works
This exercise is gentle on the back and trains the muscles deep inside your belly. I’ve had postpartum moms use this to regain core control. It also helps if you have pelvic weakness or bloating from poor digestion.
Exercise 3: Plank Hip Taps
What It Targets
Entire core, especially obliques and deep stabilizers
How I Do It
Get into a forearm plank. Make sure your elbows are right under your shoulders and your body forms a straight line. Now gently tap your right hip to the floor, then the left. Keep your hips low and belly tight the whole time.
I aim for 3 sets of 15 taps per side. When I started, I couldn’t even finish one set. But over time, it’s become my favorite core toner.
Why It Works
Planks are famous, but hip taps take it up a notch. They teach your muscles to stay stable during movement, which is the real secret to looking tight and toned around the belly.
Exercise 4: Seated Twist Punches
What It Targets
Obliques, upper abs, arms, and posture
How I Do It
Sit on the floor with knees bent, heels on the ground. Lean back slightly until you feel your core engage. Keep your spine straight. Now, twist to the right and punch forward. Come back to center, twist left, punch again. Keep alternating.
Do 3 sets of 20 twists total. Use light dumbbells if you want a challenge.
Why It Works
This is my go-to for getting rid of side belly bulge. It sculpts the waist and improves shoulder alignment too. You also work your arms and posture while twisting, which makes it a great all-in-one move.
Tips That Helped Me Get a Flatter Belly
I didn’t just do these exercises and wake up with abs. I paired them with a few smart habits. Let me share some of what worked best for me and my clients.
I Focused on What I Ate at Night
Bloating used to kill my progress. I started eating a lighter dinner and skipping sugary snacks after 7 PM. Within a week, my belly looked tighter. Avoid fizzy drinks and processed foods late at night.
I Walked Every Day, Even for 10 Minutes
I started adding a short walk in the morning or evening. It helped reduce water retention and stress. Walking also helps digestion, which affects how flat your stomach looks.
I Practiced Belly Breathing
This is something I picked up in yoga training. Deep belly breathing (inhale into your stomach, not your chest) strengthens your inner core muscles. I do this while lying down, 5 minutes a day.
Do You Need Equipment?
Nope. All these moves are bodyweight. You just need a mat or a soft surface. If you want to add challenge later, you can hold light weights during the seated twist punches or wear ankle weights during knee drives.
How Fast Can You See Results?
Most of my clients see changes in 10 to 14 days—less bloating, tighter waistline, better posture. But that depends on your routine. You have to stay consistent. I did these 4 moves every other day and started noticing results within two weeks.
Who Should Try This?
These are great for beginners, new moms, or anyone tired of doing endless crunches without results. They’re gentle on joints, easy to follow, and don’t take much time. I usually finish the full routine in 20 minutes.
Even people with back pain or core weakness can do these with small adjustments.
Final Thoughts from My Training Room
I’ve seen hundreds of clients chase flat belly dreams with no direction. The truth? You don’t need to do 100 crunches a day. You need a few smart moves, real effort, and a bit of patience.
These four exercises changed how my core feels and looks. They work. They’re simple. They’re honest. And you can start them right now—right in your living room.
