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How do I Choose the Best Waist Exercises?

B. Miller
B. Miller

It can be challenging to lose weight around the waist, because it is somewhat difficult to target that area specifically. To choose the best waist exercises, try to find a number of different exercises that offer aerobic benefits for the body, as well as strength training for the waist. Trimming the waist will require a combination of aerobic activities and targeted waist exercises, such as side stretches or crunches. Keep in mind that the best way to choose waist exercises and get in shape is to try to have a wide variety of exercises available to you.

If you are unclear on what constitutes waist exercises, you might want to make an appointment with a personal trainer at a gym. In even just one or two sessions, a personal trainer may be able to help you choose the best waist exercises for you, or even develop a personalized workout routine to help you lose weight and get in shape. If you do not want to meet with a personal trainer, purchasing or renting a workout DVD that is designed to target the waist can be very helpful, and can also give you new ideas for different exercises.

Jogging can help reduce belly fat.
Jogging can help reduce belly fat.

In addition, choose the best waist exercises for you based on your interests in exercise. Some people really enjoy aerobic activity; in that case, step aerobics, kickboxing, jogging, or swimming are all great ways to get in shape and help you to get a slim waist. If you would rather a challenging but more mellow workout, both yoga and Pilates are excellent for the waist. These exercise programs focus on increasing core strength, which can help to trim the waist as well as strengthen the back and improve posture. Keep in mind that aerobic activity is the only way to burn fat from anywhere on the body, however, and it is not possible to target aerobic activity to one specific area of the body.

Swimming engages the whole body, including the core.
Swimming engages the whole body, including the core.

Some exercises are especially targeted to the waist. Crunches, sit-ups, side plank exercises, and twists, just to name a few, are all excellent exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles and create a toned waist. Hula hooping with a weighted hula hoop designed for exercise is also a popular exercise for strengthening the muscles of the waist. These weighted hula hoops may be purchased at most fitness stores, and weight may often be added as needed. It is best to start with a lighter weighted hula hoop to prevent bruising around the hips.

Discussion Comments

lighth0se33

I've done so many waist reduction exercises in my life, but the best one by far has been dancing. I concentrated on dance styles that involved using my abdominals, and now, I have a six-pack!

I started out using an instruction DVD, but soon, I was able to come up with my own dance moves. Now, I just turn on the radio for ten minutes a day and dance to keep my abs in shape.

There are a lot of crunches you can do while dancing and moving your midsection around. Once you have the basic tricks down, you can sculpt yourself and get creative with the moves.

OeKc05

Any exercise plan that claims it can make you specifically lose belly fat is a hoax. The only way to lose belly fat is by losing weight all over your body.

You have to watch your diet as well as maintain an exercise routine. Anything that makes you breathe faster is a good option.

You can always do some waist toning exercises. This will let you develop a layer of muscle under the fat, and once you've lost that, you will be able to see your abdominal muscles.

However, I've heard that doing the toning exercises too soon can make your fat bulge out more. I don't know whether this is true or not, but I would recommend concentrating on losing some weight before starting the toning exercises. You don't have to lose down to your goal weight before you start, but lose a good bit.

cloudel

@Perdido – I don't think that crunches and sit-ups are nearly as beneficial as using an exercise ball. You can do exercises for your waist in a much wider range of motion this way.

With sit-ups, you risk injuring your neck or back. With crunches, all you exercise is a certain area of your abs.

With an exercise ball, you can give all your abdominal muscles a good workout. You can get your lower back in on the action at the same time as your upper and lower abdominals.

Perdido

I wish I could use a hula hoop! I have a kidney disease that makes me really sensitive to any pressure placed around my abdomen, though.

I have to stick to waist slimming exercises that don't involve strapping anything around me. In the past, I've had success with crunches and regular sit-ups.

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    • Jogging can help reduce belly fat.
      By: Martinan
      Jogging can help reduce belly fat.
    • Swimming engages the whole body, including the core.
      By: ikonoklast_hh
      Swimming engages the whole body, including the core.
    • Sit-ups are a good workout for the midsection.
      By: Halfpoint
      Sit-ups are a good workout for the midsection.
    • Getting a thinner waist requires a combination of efforts.
      By: Alexander Zhiltsov
      Getting a thinner waist requires a combination of efforts.
    • Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can work the waist.
      By: furmananna
      Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can work the waist.
    • For a slim waist, aerobic exercises are usually needed.
      By: inarik
      For a slim waist, aerobic exercises are usually needed.
    • Step aerobics routines can be tailored to target specific areas of the body, like the waist.
      By: .shock
      Step aerobics routines can be tailored to target specific areas of the body, like the waist.