Malaika Arora shares 4 crunches variations to help you get rid of that stubborn belly fat

Malaika Arora shares four effective moves to target stubborn belly fat in a recent Instagram video which does not require any extra equipment, only a yoga mat.
Belly fat is often the toughest to lose. No matter how much you work out or watch your diet, that stubborn bulge around the midsection can linger. If you’ve been looking for simple yet effective moves to finally tackle it, Malaika Arora has just the routine.
The fitness guru shared four powerful moves designed to target and burn stubborn belly fat. In an Instagram video from September 1, Malaika demonstrates four dynamic crunch variations to sculpt your core, working your upper abs, lower abs, and obliques, which requires zero equipment - except for a yoga mat.
Knee to elbow crunch
Lie flat on a yoga mat and engage your core as you lift your upper body off the floor, similar to a crunch. At the same time, drive your elbows forward while bending your knees toward your chest, aiming to bring them together at the midpoint. Malaika recommends performing 3 sets of the knee to elbow crunch, with 12-15 repetitions each. This targets lower abdomen belly fat.
Boat pose crunch
In the same horizontal position, stretch out your arms so that they are parallel to your legs. Lift your torso and extend your legs at the same time, so that they are parallel (like a V). Then pull your knees back toward your chest, while wrapping your arms round them, before extending again. Malaika suggests doing 3 sets of boat pose crunches, aiming for 12-15 reps per set. This targets fat around the obliques.
Ankle tuck crunch
Lying flat on a yoga mat, extend your arms overhead and stretch out your legs. Engage your core to lift your torso and legs at the same time. Bend your knees toward your chest and bring your arms forward. Keep your arms parallel to your shins and try to touch your ankles. Repeat this 12-15 times, across 3 sets.
V-sit hold
Lying flat on your back with arms alongside your body and legs extended, lift both your legs at an angle. Simultaneously raise your torso off the floor and outstretch your arms parallel to your legs (like a V). Hold this position for some time. Malaika suggests 12-15 reps, across 3 sets. This position engages your entire core, targeting upper abs, the lower abdomen and obliques.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOREshana SahaEshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More
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