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15-Minute Fat-Burning Workout To Tone Your Entire Body

These exercises will get you fit fast.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Bree_Argetsinger3
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

The Betty Rocker, aka Bree Argetsinger, is a health coach and fitness motivator, who regularly shares videos of her “fast fun” workouts that can be done anywhere, diet hacks, and healthy living tips. In a recent YouTube video she shared a 15-minute full body HIIT circuit that you can do in the comfort of your own home – or anywhere else for that matter.


1. You Can Do This 15 Minute Workout Anywhere

Bree_Argetsinger4The Betty Rocker/YouTube

“We're going to get super energized, burst some fat work all of our muscles, head to toe in just about 15 minutes, so pay close attention to the form, tips and modifications that I share with you and use the information below this video on the blog for all of the additional mods and form tips for you to read through,” she says, adding that the workout requires zero equipment, can be done “absolutely anywhere,” and will “totally energize you and make you feel amazing.” She recommends keeping a water bottle on hand. “We want to stay hydrated and feel free to pause the video at any time if you need a little more rest than what I'm taking” she adds.

2. Exercise 1: Squat Thrusts

The first exercise in the circuit is called a squat thrust. “You're going to drop down, plate your hands below your shoulders, shoot your feet back, then jump it back, load the weight in your heels and jump up,” she explains, adding that “you can absolutely take the jump out of it and just power up into a squat, squeezing your butt as you come up, go at your own pace.”

Related: #1 Weight Loss Food Mistake You Are Making

3. Exercise 2: Super Mario

Excited,African,American,Young,Woman,Have,Fun,In,Living,Room,jumping,jump, exerciseShutterstock

Next up, an exercise called Super Mario. “If you ever played Mario Brothers, when you're a kid, you'll love this,” she says. It starts by stepping back “with our left knee and as we power up, we're going to reach for a gold coin with our left hand, so it's a reverse lunge and a jump,” she explains. “So just a little hop on the left foot.” If the move is too challenging, she suggests leaving out the jump. “I want you to power up with a knee drive, step back into reverse lunge, power up with the knee drive. Make sure when you do this that you land lightly to the last one,” she says. Then, switch sides and balance weight on the right foot, stepping back with the left and reaching for a gold coin with the right hand.

4. Exercise 3: V Ups

Woman,Doing,Paripurna,Navasana,Exercise,,Boat,Pose,,V UpsShutterstock

Next up is a core exercise called V Ups. Okay. “A V Up is when you use your core and you lift your toes to meet your hands in the air, forming a V with your body,” she explains. A modified version would be doing a knee up, with your knees up to your chest. “Each time you come down, make sure your lower back makes contact with the floor mat. That'll really help protect your back and really make sure you're getting enough out of this move.”

5. Exercise 4: Tuck Jump

Sporty,Young,Female,Athlete,Doing,High,Tuck,Jumps,exercise,fitnessShutterstock

Next up? The tuck jump. “It is challenging. It'll get your heart rate back up,” she says. Start by jump driving knees up towards the hands, “which we keep around chest or waist height,” she instructs. A modification would be doing body squats instead. “Make sure you keep the weight back in your heels and in your butt and keep your chest lifting. If you're doing the tuck jump, be sure to land lightly.”

Related: I Lost 160 Pounds and Here's 4 Ways I Took the Weight Off

6. Exercise 5: Two-Way Pushup

Wide,Grip,Pushup,Push-up,Variation,Advanced,Chest,Exercise,Shutterstock

Now it’s time for a two-way pushup. “Come on down to the mat. Make sure your hands are stacked below your shoulders. Do a regular pushup. Then walk your hands out wide. Do a wide pushup, hands in, push up wide, push up,” she instructs. “Absolutely fine to come down to your knees here at any time you want to save your chest and arms, be up on your toes as much as you can, and then drop down to your knees straight. Be sure your back is not arched.”

7. Exercise 6: Alternating Reverse Curtsy Lunge to Kick

Sport,And,Healthy,Lifestyle.,Fit,Black,Woman,Doing,Curtsy,LungesShutterstock

The final move is called an alternating reverse curtsy lunge to kick. “Here's what we're going to do. We're going to step it back into a reverse curtsy lunge. As you come up, we're going to kick step reverse curtsy on the other side. Kick step it over kick,” she continued. “If that kick feels a little bit too much, if you don't want to do it, I want you to switch to a knee,” she says. You could also have a chair here in front of you to hold onto the back of it to help you find your balance.

8. Go Through the Circuit Three Times

Bree_Argetsinger2The Betty Rocker/YouTube

Each set of exercises takes about five minutes. In the video she goes through the routine three times, for a total 15-minute workout. We suggest following along with Argetsinger’s demonstration to avoid any injuries. According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) there are many reasons why circuit training is a good idea. Not only is it a highly efficient method, studies have found that it can help decrease the risk of disease – one study found that high intensity circuit training reared greater improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides compared to low intensity circuit training or traditional endurance training – and can also improve heart health, aid in weight loss, and improve overall strength.

Related: 6 Simple Exercises You Can Do at Home Instead of Running

9. HIIT Workouts Have Many Benefits

Bree_Argetsinger1The Betty Rocker/YouTube

There is lots of research backing up the benefits of HIIT workouts, including body fat reduction, improved cardiovascular function, and mental health. It is also time effective.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you can’t do an exercise for whatever reason, making small modifications can help prevent injuries while still allowing you to achieve your health goals.

More For You

Ellen Ludwig ellenludwigfitness
Copyright ellenludwigfitness/Instagram


Do you want to lose weight fast just by doing cardio? Ellen Ludwig is a fitness and nutrition coach who helps women over 40 achieve their body goals. In a new social media post, she reveals her go-to workout for shedding body fat – all you need is a pair of sneakers. “Ladies over 40 who want to shed belly fat, steal my cardio workout,” she says.

Women In Peri and Post Monopause Need to Add “Short Intense Cardio Burts” Into Their Routine

In the post, she explains that women in peri and post menopause “need to add short intense cardio bursts into their workout regime, in addition to strength training! It can actually help reduce the not so great effects peri menopause has on our body,” she explains.

Sprint Interval Training Is the Way to Do It

“One of my favorite ways to do this is Sprint Interval Training (SIT). As a former runner, I get to enjoy the ‘runner’s high,’ but without all the knee & hip pain I had with running longer distances. Here is why you need it,” she continues, adding that “more isn’t better,” but that harder is.

Reason Why You Should Do SIT

According to Ludwig, here is why you need to do it:

  • Short SIT/HIIT bursts can help to improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood sugar levels, especially during perimenopause when blood sugar can be harder to manage.
  • It improves your fat-burning capacity and helps manage visceral fat.
  • Helps increase human growth hormone (HGH), which helps to preserve muscle mass, which we especially need as we age!
  • Helps your body burn more fat at rest!
  • Lowers inflammation!
  • Improves cardiovascular health and reduces hot flashes!

How to Do It

“Always warm up first!! Pick an exercise that works for you! Sprinting, cycling, walking/running up hills are great options. Go as fast as you can for 20-30 secs and then walk/rest for 60 secs. Repeat 10-15 times. If you’re new to SIT, start with 5-10 and work your way up. You only need to do this 1-2 times a week! I do sprints one day a week!” she writes.

Also, Do This Strength Training Routine

In another post, she reveals her strength training routine. “Grab a set of light, medium, & heavy weights that will challenge you and try this upper body burner. Do 10 reps of each move 3x and move on to the next move! Rest in between moves. (I’m sharing what weights I used!)” she says.

Here Is the Set:

  1. Deadlift (55lbs)
  2. Arnold press (25lbs)
  3. Close grip chest press (25lbs)
  4. Front raise (15lbs)
  5. Chest press (35lbs)
  6. Goblet squat w/pulse (55lbs)
  7. Curtsy lunge (35lbs)
  8. Side shoulder raise (15lbs).

Be Consistent with Your Workout Routine

“Listen, I didn’t wake up one day with muscles (well, maybe my quads!),” she writes. “I have been working on building muscle for YEARS and YEARS. I started with lighter weights and worked my way up. I slowly went from 10s to 12s to 15s to 17.5s to 20lbs, and on up! I put in the reps and my CONSISTENCY (and good nutrition!) has lead me to where I am today!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

If you don’t have an hour to devote to exercise every day, don’t stress. According to Cara Metz, a fitness trainer with over 20 years of experience and nearly 500,000 followers on Instagram, all you need is a quarter of that time. Metz specializes in 15-minute workouts, recently sharing one for her over 40 followers. “This 15-minute workout is perfect for women over 40! Why? Because you are super busy & a longer workout is not always possible,” she writes in the caption. Here is everything you need to know about the workout – including why 15 minutes is enough time.


Here Is Why Women Over 40 Need to Build Muscle

Muscular Caucasian forty year old woman doing exercises with dumbbells in the gym.Shutterstock

First Cara explains why women over 40 need to build muscle. She says that “your muscle mass is starting to diminish so you need to work at keeping your muscle & hopefully building more lean muscle!”

“15-minute workouts have been a game changer for me and the ladies who are part of the Cara Fitness family. Do you feel you need to workout for longer? If yes. Why?” she asks.

Cara gives the “workout breakdown” and explains that you should do each exercise for 50 seconds each with 10 seconds of rest in between. Then, “repeat the sequence 3 times for a 15-minute workout,” she says.

Related: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Here Are the Exercises

1️⃣ Cross bicep curl

2️⃣ Tricep kickbacks & hold

3️⃣ Upright row & clean

4️⃣ Back to front & front drive

5️⃣ Stepping shoulder press

Get More Steps In with This 15-Minute Workout

In another post, she shares a 15-minute workout to get 1,500 steps in. “How many daily steps do you do? Do you struggle to get your steps in each day! Try this….Stick some music on, set a timer for 1 minute a move and let’s go!” she writes. Repeat twice.

  1. March
  2. Wide march
  3. In & out March
  4. Two side steps
  5. Rock step
  6. Box step
  7. Walk forward & back
  8. Let loose & boogie

RELATED: How to Debloat Your Belly Fast, According to an MD

This Is Why You Only Need 15 Minutes to Work Out

Mature woman, break and drinking with water, earphones or music on machine for workout or exercise at gym. Female person with smile for rest, mineral beverage or thirst after training at health clubShutterstock

“Why do you only workout for 15 minutes? Surely that is not enough? What else do you do? These are the questions I get all the time. The other question I get is how do I stay motivated?” she wrote in another post. “So motivation & just 15 minutes go hand in hand. Just 15 minutes allows me to stay consistent as the workout is finished before you know it! Motivation is fleeting, some days you are, some days you are not! Knowing that your workout is only 15 minutes means it’s so much easier to just get the job done! Consistency is the key to getting results. Dipping in and out of exercise and great nutrition is what causes yo-yo weight loss and dieting. Doing 15 minutes consistently and eating great food consistently is what gets results! Simple! This is what works for me and 1,000’s of women who workout with me each day!”

💪🔥Body Booster: Try to do a short but intense 15-minute workout every day for a week.

Rick Bhullar rickbhullarfitness
Copyright rickbhullarfitness/Instagram

Struggling to find time for exercise between work and family commitments? You're not alone. As someone who's helped thousands transform their bodies from home, I've seen this challenge repeatedly. That's where Rick Bhullar's expertise comes in. With over 650K YouTube subscribers following his low-impact walking workouts, Rick has revolutionized how people approach fitness at home. His signature walking with weights method helps you burn fat while keeping your joints completely safe. Here's his proven 10-minute workout that combines walking with strength training for maximum results.

Getting Started With the Right Weight

"For today's workout, I'm using a couple of 2kg dumbbells, but you can use whatever you want," Rick shares in his post, making the workout accessible for all fitness levels. He emphasizes proper form from the start: "What I like to have on my dumbbells, I take my thumbs over the top here... Let's get these arms active, let's get that calorie burn going."

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Making Every Step Count

Maximizing calorie burn requires proper movement tracking. "If you do want your step tracker to track your steps, it's important to keep movement in these arms," Rick explains. "Step trackers track movement and if we're here [with static arms], they ain't going to track anything."

Core Activation for Better Results

The workout integrates core engagement throughout each movement. "Think about squeezing down and squeezing your abs. It's not a snap movement, it's a squeeze," Rick instructs. This deliberate engagement helps activate more muscle groups during the walking movements.

Time-Efficient Fat Burning

"We're doing each movement for 30 seconds," Rick notes, explaining why this workout is so effective in just 10 minutes. "This is a perfect workout to add in between your other workouts," he adds, making it ideal for busy schedules.

Maximizing Muscle Engagement

Small adjustments make a significant difference in fat burning. "These little nuances when you're working out will make a huge difference," Rick emphasizes. He demonstrates how extending arms further from the body during movements increases core activation and calorie burn.

RELATED:3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks

Building Endurance and Strength

The workout naturally progresses to challenge your muscles. "You might feel your grip start to get a little bit weaker as this workout goes on... That's normal," Rick explains, adding that "The best way to build them up is to work through that grip strength."

Dynamic Movement Combinations

"Using these dumbbells in these dynamic movements improves our balance, stability, strength... and to get the heart rate up," Rick explains. This combination of cardio and strength training maximizes the fat-burning potential of each movement.

Proper Form for Maximum Results

Throughout the session, Rick emphasizes maintaining correct posture: "Keep your back nice and straight, head in alignment." This attention to form ensures you're targeting the right muscle groups while protecting your joints.

RELATED: How Long Your Walking Workout Should Be To Shrink Belly Fat

The Complete Weight Loss Package

Rick stresses the importance of a holistic approach: "If you do want to tone up, you're going to lose a bit of weight. Make sure your nutrition is aligned with these workouts." This combination of proper nutrition and consistent exercise is key to achieving lasting results. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Kelsey_Rose3
Copyright thekelseyrose_/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Kelsey Rose is showing off her ab-fab body – in her two-piece workout gear. In a new social media post, the fitness trainer flaunts her washboard abs in an Alo exercise set as she unveils her under-30-minute fat-blasting workout. “The only fat-burning cardio workout you need to get sculpted & snatched,” she writes across the video, recommending doing it two to four times weekly for fat loss. Do you want to lose weight just by walking? Here is what you need to know.


She Upped Her Step Count

“When I upped my daily steps from 4k to 10k, let me tell you—it completely transformed not just my body but my entire mindset. Walking is such a simple but effective way to stay active, and it’s seriously the secret sauce to slimming down and feeling your best. Plus, it works wonders for your mental,” she says.

RELATED: 12 Genius Hacks a Dietitian Uses to Double Her Protein “Without Touching Chicken”

The Routine Combines Jogging and Incline Walking

“This routine also incorporates jogging + incline, which forces your heart rate up and down, revving up the metabolism in the best way possible!” she continues. Walking on an incline burns more calories than walking fast or even running on a flat surface, which is why many experts suggest upping your incline. A 2013 study even found that walking on a 2 to 7 percent incline increased heart rate by almost 10 percent when compared with running on a flat surface.

Here Is the 25 Minute Routine

Here’s the breakdown:

  1. Warm-up: 5 min brisk walk (3.0-3.5 mph, 2% incline)
  2. Jog: 3 min (5.5 mph, 2% incline)
  3. Power walk: 3 min (3 mph, 8% incline)
  4. Jog: 2 min (6.0 mph, 2% incline)
  5. Power walk: 2 min (4.0 mph, 9% incline)
  6. Sprint: 1 min (7.0 mph, 2% incline)
  7. Power walk: 5 min (3.5 mph, 10% incline)
  8. Jog: 2 min (5.5 mph, 2% incline)
  9. Cool down: 2 min easy walk.

She Also Shared a 15-Minute Workout

In another post, she unveils a 15-minute walking workout. “This is your sign to STOP skipping your post-workout cardio and squeeze in a quick 15-minute treadmill workout for best results! It’s easy to feel like cardio needs to be a long, intense session to matter, but even a short burst after strength training can make a big impact,” she says.

Just 15 Minutes Offers So many Benefits

“By adding just 15 minutes on the treadmill, you can boost fat burn, increase endurance, and rev up your metabolism—all without draining yourself. Cardio is also a great way to wind down, reset, and give your body some extra love post-workout,” she says.

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals 8 Signs You're Eating Too Many Carbs

Here Is the 15 Minute Workout

“My Cheat Code Treadmill Series,” she says.

  1. 5 min steady walk at incline 8, speed 3.0—get the blood flowing!
  2. 5 min intervals: alternate 30-sec fast run (speed 6.0-8.0) + 30-sec walk (speed 3.0) to elevate your heart rate and maximize calorie burn
  3. 5 min cool down with incline 5, speed 3.0—ease into a steady pace and let your body relax.

Do It After Your Regular Workout

She recommends doing it after your regular workout. “Just 15 minutes, and you’re done! Try it out as a finisher for your next workout and see how it feels to add this extra boost. Let’s make cardio simple and effective!” she says.

Walking Offers Lots of Health Benefits

Walking at a brisk speed offers lots of benefits. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that getting your steps in about 30 minutes a day led to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

RELATED: 10 Everyday Foods This Expert Says Are “Absolutely Destroying Your Health”

10,000 Steps Is Ideal for Weight Loss

According to research published in the journal Obesity, walking 10,000 steps a day, weight loss, and weight management are linked. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

The Betty Rocker, aka Bree Argetsinger, is a health coach and fitness motivator, who regularly shares videos of her “fast fun” workouts that can be done anywhere, diet hacks, and healthy living tips. In a recent YouTube video she shared a 15-minute full body HIIT circuit that you can do in the comfort of your own home – or anywhere else for that matter.


1. You Can Do This 15 Minute Workout Anywhere

Bree_Argetsinger4The Betty Rocker/YouTube

“We're going to get super energized, burst some fat work all of our muscles, head to toe in just about 15 minutes, so pay close attention to the form, tips and modifications that I share with you and use the information below this video on the blog for all of the additional mods and form tips for you to read through,” she says, adding that the workout requires zero equipment, can be done “absolutely anywhere,” and will “totally energize you and make you feel amazing.” She recommends keeping a water bottle on hand. “We want to stay hydrated and feel free to pause the video at any time if you need a little more rest than what I'm taking” she adds.

2. Exercise 1: Squat Thrusts

The first exercise in the circuit is called a squat thrust. “You're going to drop down, plate your hands below your shoulders, shoot your feet back, then jump it back, load the weight in your heels and jump up,” she explains, adding that “you can absolutely take the jump out of it and just power up into a squat, squeezing your butt as you come up, go at your own pace.”

Related: #1 Weight Loss Food Mistake You Are Making

3. Exercise 2: Super Mario

Excited,African,American,Young,Woman,Have,Fun,In,Living,Room,jumping,jump, exerciseShutterstock

Next up, an exercise called Super Mario. “If you ever played Mario Brothers, when you're a kid, you'll love this,” she says. It starts by stepping back “with our left knee and as we power up, we're going to reach for a gold coin with our left hand, so it's a reverse lunge and a jump,” she explains. “So just a little hop on the left foot.” If the move is too challenging, she suggests leaving out the jump. “I want you to power up with a knee drive, step back into reverse lunge, power up with the knee drive. Make sure when you do this that you land lightly to the last one,” she says. Then, switch sides and balance weight on the right foot, stepping back with the left and reaching for a gold coin with the right hand.

4. Exercise 3: V Ups

Woman,Doing,Paripurna,Navasana,Exercise,,Boat,Pose,,V UpsShutterstock

Next up is a core exercise called V Ups. Okay. “A V Up is when you use your core and you lift your toes to meet your hands in the air, forming a V with your body,” she explains. A modified version would be doing a knee up, with your knees up to your chest. “Each time you come down, make sure your lower back makes contact with the floor mat. That'll really help protect your back and really make sure you're getting enough out of this move.”

5. Exercise 4: Tuck Jump

Sporty,Young,Female,Athlete,Doing,High,Tuck,Jumps,exercise,fitnessShutterstock

Next up? The tuck jump. “It is challenging. It'll get your heart rate back up,” she says. Start by jump driving knees up towards the hands, “which we keep around chest or waist height,” she instructs. A modification would be doing body squats instead. “Make sure you keep the weight back in your heels and in your butt and keep your chest lifting. If you're doing the tuck jump, be sure to land lightly.”

Related: I Lost 160 Pounds and Here's 4 Ways I Took the Weight Off

6. Exercise 5: Two-Way Pushup

Wide,Grip,Pushup,Push-up,Variation,Advanced,Chest,Exercise,Shutterstock

Now it’s time for a two-way pushup. “Come on down to the mat. Make sure your hands are stacked below your shoulders. Do a regular pushup. Then walk your hands out wide. Do a wide pushup, hands in, push up wide, push up,” she instructs. “Absolutely fine to come down to your knees here at any time you want to save your chest and arms, be up on your toes as much as you can, and then drop down to your knees straight. Be sure your back is not arched.”

7. Exercise 6: Alternating Reverse Curtsy Lunge to Kick

Sport,And,Healthy,Lifestyle.,Fit,Black,Woman,Doing,Curtsy,LungesShutterstock

The final move is called an alternating reverse curtsy lunge to kick. “Here's what we're going to do. We're going to step it back into a reverse curtsy lunge. As you come up, we're going to kick step reverse curtsy on the other side. Kick step it over kick,” she continued. “If that kick feels a little bit too much, if you don't want to do it, I want you to switch to a knee,” she says. You could also have a chair here in front of you to hold onto the back of it to help you find your balance.

8. Go Through the Circuit Three Times

Bree_Argetsinger2The Betty Rocker/YouTube

Each set of exercises takes about five minutes. In the video she goes through the routine three times, for a total 15-minute workout. We suggest following along with Argetsinger’s demonstration to avoid any injuries. According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) there are many reasons why circuit training is a good idea. Not only is it a highly efficient method, studies have found that it can help decrease the risk of disease – one study found that high intensity circuit training reared greater improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides compared to low intensity circuit training or traditional endurance training – and can also improve heart health, aid in weight loss, and improve overall strength.

Related: 6 Simple Exercises You Can Do at Home Instead of Running

9. HIIT Workouts Have Many Benefits

Bree_Argetsinger1The Betty Rocker/YouTube

There is lots of research backing up the benefits of HIIT workouts, including body fat reduction, improved cardiovascular function, and mental health. It is also time effective.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you can’t do an exercise for whatever reason, making small modifications can help prevent injuries while still allowing you to achieve your health goals.

Tracy Campoli tracycampoli
Copyright tracycampoli/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

The battle against belly fat after 40 can feel like an uphill struggle. Those changes in our waistline seem to happen overnight, leaving many of us wondering if this widening middle is simply our new reality. Tracy Campoli understands this frustration firsthand. At 49, this certified personal trainer, Pilates instructor, and health coach balances her professional expertise with the real-life challenges of being a mom in menopause. "It's really frustrating seeing these changes that can happen in our bodies as we get older," Tracy says, "but we don't have to accept all of them as just being 'that's just how it is'." Tracy discovered that 20-second workout intervals were key to her transformation. Read on to discover how her Tabata-style workouts and other practical strategies can help you reduce belly fat at any age.

The 20-Second Workout That Changed Everything

Forget endless crunches - they're not the answer to reducing belly fat. "What we want to do is implement the right kinds of workouts," Tracy advises. For women over 40, she discovered that Tabata and HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workouts were the most effective approach for burning fat and building lean muscle.

"Tabata is really my favorite because you're doing 20 seconds of intense work and then you have a 10-second break built in," Tracy explains. This 20-second interval approach became her secret weapon. "What that's gonna help you to do is burn fat and increase your lean muscle mass - that's what's gonna help you see that slimming in your middle."

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

Focus on Strength

Strength training is equally important. Tracy emphasizes that your body itself provides resistance: "Your body is a source of weight and resistance." Whether through Pilates, resistance bands, light weights, or bodyweight exercises, incorporating strength work helps prevent the menopausal widening many women experience.

Why Her Old Workouts Weren't Working

"Back in the day, you know I grew up in the 80s myself, we were told if you want to have a slimmer middle, you got to do crunches all day long," Tracy shares. "That's not the case. By now we know that that is not true at all."

Instead of focusing solely on abdominal exercises, Tracy found that combining cardio intervals with strength training gave her the best results. In her fitness membership Total Body Transformation, she incorporates "strength training inside of the cardio workout so that you're getting basically more bang for your buck."

Chill Out To Slim Down

Your stress levels could be directly contributing to that stubborn belly fat. "Reducing your stress level is like a direct line to decreasing your waistline," Tracy explains. She points to that common experience of clothes feeling looser after vacation despite enjoying richer foods - that's your body responding positively to reduced stress levels.

The science is clear: stress elevates cortisol, which has a direct link to increased belly fat. "When we are stressed out, what happens? Our cortisol levels rise in an unhealthy manner, and so that is a direct link to our belly fat," Tracy says. She recommends simple stress-reduction techniques like nature walks, connecting with friends, practicing yoga, or even just taking three deep breaths. These small actions can make a significant difference in both your stress levels and your waistline.

Eat This, Not That

Proper nutrition becomes increasingly important as we age. "Especially if you're in your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, it's really important that we are fueling our bodies with nutrient-dense food," Tracy emphasizes.

For women over 40, adequate protein is essential for building lean muscle mass. "You want to be making sure especially over 40 that you have adequate protein. That protein is going to really help to create lean muscle mass," Tracy advises. She recommends a balanced approach with plenty of vegetables, fresh fruits, and proper hydration.

Rather than obsessing over individual food choices, she suggests taking a "bird's-eye view" of your daily nutrition. "A lot of women will come to me and say 'I had three cookies so I messed it all up'," Tracy shares, explaining that occasional indulgences won't derail your progress when your overall diet remains nutrient-dense.

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Dress Smart, Look Slimmer

How you dress can significantly impact both how you look and how you feel about your body. "If you're wearing big floppy tents or just hiding, that's actually going to make you look worse," Tracy warns, acknowledging it seems counterintuitive.

On days when you're feeling less than your best, Tracy suggests putting more effort into your presentation, not less. "Those days when I feel like a troll... I feel like a completely different person when I actually brush my hair, put on some makeup, and dress in a way that makes me feel pretty," she shares. This outside-in approach can boost your confidence and actually make you appear slimmer.

You're Not Invisible After 40

Tracy is passionate about women of all ages feeling visible and valued. "One of my missions is that women of every age and every stage of life know that they are worthy of being seen," she says passionately. "You are not just doomed to being invisible after the age of 40, 50, or 60. Yes, you are still beautiful. Yes, you are still attractive. Yes, you are worthy of showing up in the world in the best way that you know how to be."

She encourages women to find styles that make them feel good about themselves, whether through online inspiration or fashion magazines.

My Ballet Trick That Works Every Time

Drawing from her lifelong ballet training, Tracy shares one final tip: lightly engaging your abdominal muscles throughout the day. "We're never letting our belly go; we're always lifting the belly up and in," Tracy explains, clarifying this isn't about uncomfortable "sucking in" but rather a gentle engagement of your deep abdominal muscles.

"This is not a size thing because I used to do this when I was pregnant and my belly was out to here," she notes. "This is about just lightly engaging the muscles, those deep muscles in your abdominals."
This simple practice improves posture, creates a longer, leaner appearance, and can even help prevent back pain, especially important as we spend more time sitting. "It's going to improve your posture, make you look leaner, make you look slimmer, and help prevent back pain," Tracy confirms. With practice, this engagement becomes automatic, creating lasting improvements in both appearance and well-being.

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Start Today, See Results Tomorrow

Tracy emphasizes that consistency is key with all these approaches. The 20-second Tabata intervals might seem brief, but when performed regularly, they create significant changes. "When you do it with time, you don't even have to think about it anymore. It just becomes like a natural part of your day," she explains about her techniques.

By combining strategic 20-second workouts, stress reduction, smart nutrition, confident dressing, and simple posture adjustments, Tracy transformed her menopausal middle—and believes you can too.

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We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Diet and exercise are two components of weight loss. However, if you want to transform your body, there are additional habits you need to incorporate into your routine. Amulya M is a weight loss coach and influencer who helps her followers lose weight and transform their lives. In a new viral post, she reveals her plan for a four-month transformation. “For the next 4 months become addicted to these 7 habits, and you’ll be unrecognizable by June 2025,” she writes.

Wake Up Early

Her first transformation habit is waking up earlier. According to Amulya, it gives you more time to workout, plan your day, work on business, and be more productive. “It is a huge life hack and gives you more time to achieve your goals,” she says.

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Write Down Your Thoughts Before Bed

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Next, she recommends writing down your thoughts before bed. “Journaling before bed will improve your quality of and sleep,” she says. “You’ll be unrecognizable.” Not sure what to write down? She suggests “your goals for tomorrow” and “what you’re grateful for.”

Learn an Online Skill

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Her third transformative habit? “Learning an online skill 30 minutes a day,” she says. “With inflation and taxes rising, an online skill can save you financially.” She recommends skills like selling digital products, investing, and affiliate marketing.

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Exercise Four Times a Week

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She also recommends exercising four times a week and prioritizing mental health. “You also need good physical health,” she says, revealing a few exercises with the best results, including running, swimming, and lifting weights. “These will strengthen and tone your body,” she writes.

Sit in Silence

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“Sit in silence 10 minutes a day,” she adds. “Your mind is racing with hundreds of thoughts every minute.” She suggests taking just 10 minutes to sit in silence, practice mindfulness, and be present in the moment. “This is an underrated habit for your mental health, but very powerful,” she says.

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Sleep

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Make sure to get your rest. “Create a proper sleep schedule,” she says, adding that sleep is essential for your performance and mental health, reducing stress and improving your mood.

Repeat

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Her last tip? Be consistent and repeat these habits every single day, week, and month. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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I'm a Weight Loss Coach and These 7 Daily Habits Help Clients Drop 50+ Pounds
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Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Once you hit 40, your metabolism slows down a bit. Paying attention to nutrition becomes more important to prevent weight gain or lose some pounds you may have accumulated. Maintaining or building muscle is also more complex, so good nutrition is key. As an experienced nutrition coach and nutritionist who spends a lot of time helping my clients lose weight, I often advise my clients to eat certain types of food to fuel fat loss. These are the best foods for weight loss if you are over 40.

Lean Protein

Fresh fish, raw cod fillets with addition of herbs and lemon49. White fish (like cod): 48 caloriesShutterstock

My first recommendation is lean protein, including chicken, fish, lean beef, tofu, eggs, and Greek yogurt. These foods help support muscle mass and keep you full longer. I recommend spreading protein throughout the day, having some at each meal especially breakfast. Also, choose grilled or baked instead of fried.

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Leafy Greens

Arugula on a white background. Raw and fresh arugula, green leaves, from above.20. Arugula: 25 caloriesShutterstock

Another one of the best foods for weight loss is any leafy green. My favorites are spinach, kale, arugula, and romaine. Not only are these veggies low in calories, but they are also high in fiber and essential nutrients. An added bonus? Leafy greens are super high in antioxidants for disease fighting.

Berries

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Another great food for weight loss that also serves as a sweet treat? Berries. Personally, my favorites are blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. What makes this type of fruit so special? Berries are packed with fiber, which promotes satiety and good digestive health. They are also low in sugar compared to other fruits and high in antioxidants.

Healthy Fats

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Healthy fats – including avocados, nuts, and olives – are also excellent fat burners. They help keep you feeling full and satisfied, support brain and heart health, and are needed to help regulate hormones, which is crucial for weight management over 40.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Probiotic-Rich Foods

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Don’t sleep on probiotic-rich foods like Greek yogurt, kimchi, and other fermented foods. these food types aid digestion and help immune and gut health.

Whole Grains

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Lastly, when it comes to carbs, fill your plate with whole grains. I recommend quinoa, brown rice, and oats. They provide long-lasting energy and fiber to keep you full, help regulate blood sugar levels, and aids in supporting gut health. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.