A female athlete is doing knee to elbow crunches on a gym floor. 5 Body-Sculpting Moves To Build a Lean Waistline. Cover
Share and Follow

When it comes to achieving a toned waistline, having a well-structured workout plan is key. To guide us through the right routine, we consulted with Chrystiana Lynn. Chrystiana is a certified nutritionist at Eden, a natural bodybuilding competitor, and a licensed nurse. Her approach focuses on cutting through the clutter and making sustainable choices to reach fitness goals. For those looking to shape their midsection, Chrystiana suggests incorporating five body-sculpting exercises into their fitness regimen.

Chrystiana emphasizes the importance of building core strength and improving functional fitness, drawing from her background as a nutritionist and bodybuilding competitor. She stresses the significance of treating your body as a whole unit, both in training and nutrition. According to her, transforming your waistline requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses exercise and diet.

Curious about the exercises that can aid in achieving a lean and sculpted waistline? Chrystiana shares her top five recommendations. To witness significant progress, she advises committing to training sessions two to three times a week.

Plank With Shoulder Taps

Full length view of young sportsman doing shoulder tap in push or press ups exercise, standing in plank position. Athlete with smartwatch training outdoors, warm up body, working out on yoga mat
Shutterstock

The plank with shoulder taps will help build a stable core and train your anti-rotation, which is essential when it comes to developing a lean, strong waistline.

  1. Begin in a high plank with your hands under your shoulders and body straight.
  2. Bend your elbows and lower your chest to the ground.
  3. As you rise up, lift your right hand and tap your left shoulder.
  4. Place your hand on the floor.
  5. Tap your left hand to your right shoulder.

5 Bodyweight Exercises That Shrink Belly Fat Faster Than Crunches

Bicycle Crunches

bicycle crunches, concept of targeted workouts for a tighter core
Shutterstock

Bicycle crunches should be performed controlled and at a slow pace. This crunch variation targets the rectus abdominis and obliques by rotational movement.

  1. Lie flat on your back, gently supporting your head with your hands.
  2. Lift your legs with bent knees.
  3. Raise your shoulders off the floor.
  4. Bring your left knee in toward your right elbow, extending your right leg.
  5. Repeat on the other side and continue to alternate.

7 Simple Daily Exercises to Shrink Stubborn Belly Fat

Dead Bugs

A young man doing a set of dead bug exercises lying on a mat. Leg and arm raised alternately. Abdominal and core workout at the gym.
Shutterstock

Dead bugs will improve coordination and posture, while strengthening your deep core muscles.

  1. Lie flat on your back with your arms extended toward the ceiling and knees in a tabletop position.
  2. Press your back into the floor and engage your core as you lower one arm and the opposite leg.
  3. Repeat on the other side.

7 Ways To Start Losing Belly Fat in 10 Days

Russian Twists

woman doing russian twists with medicine ball, concept of exercises for a slimmer core in 30 days
Shutterstock

Russian twists work your obliques while helping you develop rotational power in a safe way.

  1. Sit on the ground with bent knees and flat feet.
  2. Lean back just a bit so your torso and thighs create a “V” shape.
  3. Hold a dumbbell or medicine ball in front of your chest.
  4. Twist your torso to the left and right, bringing the weight beside your hip.

Alternative: Pallof Press (Anti-Rotation Core Exercise)

Woman doing core seatted ab twist with resistance band exercise. Flat vector illustration isolated on white background
Shutterstock

The Pallof press is an excellent way to train your core stabilizers and obliques by resisting rotation. If you have spinal issues, this is a safer option to consider.

  1. Anchor a resistance band at chest level.
  2. Assume a perpendicular position to the band with your feet planted shoulder-width apart.
  3. Hold the band in both hands and step away from the anchor point until there’s tension.
  4. Pull the band toward your chest, making sure your elbows are bent.
  5. Activate your core and press the band ahead of you until your arms are extended.
  6. Hold the position for 2 to 3 seconds.
  7. Use control to return to the start position.
  8. Repeat 10–12 reps per side.

These 4 Lower-Body Moves Burn Belly Fat Without Touching Your Core

Weighted Carries (Farmer or Suitcase Style)

Muscular athlete walking and carrying two kettlebells in a parking lot
Shutterstock

Weighted carries are a stellar choice to build deep core strength via anti-lateral flexion. “Think: stronger posture, tighter waist,” Chrystiana suggests.

  1. Hold a weight—dumbbell or kettlebell—in each hand.
  2. Stand tall with your arms at your sides and your core activated.
  3. Walk forward for a set distance or time.
  4. Begin with 30 to 60 seconds per set.

Alexa Mellardo

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

5 Effective Fat-Burning Exercises That Outperform Cardio After 40

Maintaining a lean and energetic body after 40 requires regular physical activity…

6 Essential Strength Challenges for People Over 45 (Number 3 is a Tough One!)

Entering your 40s and beyond, prioritizing strength building and maintenance becomes crucial.…

4 Daily Bodyweight Exercises for Women Over 50

Once you hit 50, maintaining strength becomes a deliberate decision. This isn’t…

6 Protein Powders Experts Advise Avoiding

Protein powders are a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts, gym-goers, and those…

4 Common Errors That Hinder Fat Loss for Men Over 50

Losing fat after 50 doesn’t come to a halt due to aging;…

Master These 5 Exercises Nonstop to Prove You’re in Prime Shape Over 50

Once you hit 50, the approach to fitness shifts. It’s less about…

4 Easy Daily Exercises to Firm and Tone After 50

As you grow older, your body undergoes natural changes. The areas most…