Expert: Todd Bublitz, RCEP - 3/15/2006

Question
What are the best exercises for losing a beer gut?

Answer
Tim,

The most effective way to lose extra fat is to do daily aerobic exercise.  Aerobic exercise is something that raises your heart rate and keeps it up for an extended period of time - 20-60 minutes.  Exercises like jogging, bicycling, rowing, cross-country skiing, brisk walking, etc. are good examples of aerobic exercise.  Eating fewer calories will be necessary to lose weight.  Try cutting back on the amount of food you eat by 20-30%.  Once you have lost the extra weight, some stomach crunches (modified sit-ups) can help tone the abdominal muscles and flatten the appearance of your stomach.

You may want to read a couple of books to get you started on the basics.  The American Heart Association's “No-Fad Diet” book is a great nutrition and weight loss book.  The American College of Sports Medicine's “ACSM Fitness Book” can help you learn about safe and effective exercise.  Here are links to learn more about these books:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400051592/102-6044196-5931300?v=glance&n=28315...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073604406X/ref=pd_sl_aw_alx-jeb-9-1_book_466035...

Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

I hope this helps.

Todd