No one enjoys dealing with a large midsection.
A bigger belly can make you feel self-conscious and comes with serious health risks like heart disease and diabetes.
You’ve probably tried countless “ab-busting” workouts that promise fast results, but the scale doesn’t seem to budge.
This is because belly fat is notoriously tough to lose, especially as you age.
But here’s the good news: it’s not impossible to shed those pounds.
In fact, scientists have discovered a simple, relaxing exercise that could help melt that stubborn belly fat.
I’m talking about tai chi.
Tai chi is a slow, low-intensity, martial arts-based exercise that’s been a staple in Asian cultures for centuries.
While it’s not as well-known as yoga, tai chi has been gaining popularity because of its numerous health benefits, particularly for older adults.
Many large hospitals now even offer tai chi classes because research shows it supports good health in a variety of ways, including helping with stress, depression, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Despite all the known benefits of tai chi, no one had thought it could help burn belly fat — that is, until a recent study from the University of California.
In this study, 543 volunteers participated in a 12-week trial where they tested the effectiveness of three different weight loss approaches:
conventional aerobic exercise,
strength training,
and tai chi.
After the 12 weeks, researchers found that tai chi was just as effective at reducing belly fat as both aerobic exercise and strength training.
This discovery is huge, especially for people who don’t want to spend hours sweating it out at the gym.
Tai chi’s slow and deliberate movements actually help improve coordination, mobility, and build muscles in the legs and core.
It’s these gentle movements that make it so effective at targeting belly fat.
So if you’ve been struggling with that stubborn belly fat and want to try something new, tai chi could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
To find a tai chi class near you, check your local community center or library, or visit a directory for classes.
You don’t have to hit the gym to burn fat — sometimes, the slow and steady approach is the most effective.
For more information on the benefits of tai chi, you can read this article from Healthline and another from Mayo Clinic.