While it isn’t possible to spot-treat fat through exercise, certain moves can help strengthen your core and create a more defined waistline.
One simple but effective option focuses on engaging the obliques (the muscles that run along the sides of your waist).
“If you’re looking for an hourglass shape and already have a strong core, or you’re just starting out and want to see shapely results, I recommend side reaches to target the sides of the waist,” says Stephanie Mansour, a weight loss coach and fitness trainer, in an article from TODAY.
Side reaches, also known as heel touches or heel taps are a beginner-friendly, bodyweight exercise that requires no equipment or complex coordination.
The move involves lying on your back with your knees bent and lifting your shoulders to reach toward each heel, effectively activating your obliques and other core muscles.
It’s important to remember when you’re doing this exercise to maintain proper posture. This means when you should curl up with your head, neck and chest, using your core to lift your shoulders off the floor to avoid straining the neck, Mansour explained.
Consistency is key when it comes to waist-defining exercises. The good news? It’s generally safe to work your core every day.
Mansour previously told TODAY.com that regular core engagement can help improve strength, posture, and overall definition over time.
If you prefer exercises that don’t involve lying down on the mat, lunges and planks will also help strengthen your middle section.
And while there are plenty of products on the market that promise to snatch your waist instantly, these are little to no effective at all. That’s why Mansour prefers bringing it back to the basics.
If you’re interested in getting your core strong and healthy, Mansour even has a 4-Week Core Challenge which includes daily exercises to help you strengthen your stomach, obliques and lower back.
