Having a smaller waist-to-hip-to-bust ratio is a classic representation of youth and femininity. As we age, many of us begin to lose that hourglass figure. The bust begins to droop, fat cells are deposited in and around the waistline, and the bottom starts to sag. With these three significant physique changes that happen as we age, the waistline seems to all but disappear.
Table of Contents
Our Prime Women article about the fastest way to reduce belly fat states that too much of any kind of fat is bad for us, but belly fat can be especially dangerous. The visceral fat in the belly that lies beneath the abdominal muscles is what can cause health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and breathing problems.
Remember that you cannot spot reduce fat by doing certain exercises, so it is essential that you reduce your overall body fat by choosing a healthy nutrition plan and incorporating an exercise or walking routine that will help you burn excess calories. We will be covering specific exercises you can do routinely to train the waistline, but incorporating a walking routine can also help achieve weight loss and overall wellness.
Because the size and shape of both the bustline and booty have such an effect on the appearance of the waist, it is necessary to train all three of these key areas, including the chest, butt, and core. It is especially important to train the butt, as the growth in the gluteus muscles and the lift that you will get in the booty will create a bigger differential between the butt, hips, and waistline. A perkier butt will give the appearance of a smaller waist!
The core muscles aren’t just made up of the abs or the “six-pack.” They are the muscles deep within the abdominals and back, attaching to the spine or pelvis. Some of these muscles include the abdominals and the obliques, which are the ones we commonly think of when we consider waist training or focusing on tightening and reducing the appearance of the midsection.
The abs and obliques are essential for bending and twisting – but even more crucial for a solid center (and this is important) are those thick muscles that wrap around your torso and act like a girdle, keeping your core tight and aligned. Training your abdominal and core muscles offers a huge benefit not only in appearance but also in strength, movement, and stability. Here are three great exercises to work your abdominal and core muscles to tighten your waist.
While the plank is an exercise that trains your body from head to toe, it also helps strengthen your core muscles, including your abdominals and lower back. The plank is a simple and effective bodyweight exercise that can be done anywhere and easily incorporated into your daily routine. It will also be easy to move from the plank position into a number of other exercises to train your waist and core at the same time.
While you’re in the high plank position (described above), adding shoulder taps is the next simple step in your smaller waist routine. The plank with shoulder taps helps to strengthen your core and glutes, contributing to a smaller waistline. An added benefit is that you can work your arms and shoulders at the same time. Like the high plank, this exercise will help to reduce lower back pain, improve posture, and tighten your midsection.
It might be a funny name, but it is touted as the number one exercise that will change your abs and core, flatten your belly, and just might change your life. Vacuum twists help to strengthen and work the deepest ab muscles we have and can also improve your posture.
If you choose just one ab exercise that will help you achieve a smaller waist, the vacuum twist is the one. It is possibly the holy grail of an ab or waist exercise and can be done as a routine part of your day. Try incorporating this into your morning routine as part of getting ready for the day or while you’re standing in the kitchen waiting on a timer.
There are many physical benefits to growing and strengthening your glutes. Your glutes (your butt) are the primary mobilizers of hips and thighs. Even though we’re working on growing and rounding the butt muscle in this instance for aesthetic reasons, you can be assured that working the glutes has major health benefits that are especially important as we age. Here are two great glute exercises that you can do at home.
Combining these simple exercises into your daily routine will have you on your way to a smaller, firmer waist and mid-section in no time. Even the simplest movements, done consistently, will make the most difference over time. It is unnecessary to do extreme diets, long workouts, or risk injury with heavy weights, and it’s most important to focus on what you are willing to reasonably create time to do as part of your daily routine.
Read Next:
5 Easy Exercises to Reduce Breast Size
Targeting Back Fat with Exercise
3 Simple Exercises To Lift Sagging Breasts