As the fall season approaches, it’s an ideal time to refocus on fitness and work on slimming your waistline. Whether you’re a beginner or simply looking for a fresh workout routine, these exercises will help you get started on your path to a slimmer waist. Here are six beginner-friendly exercises that are perfect for fall:
Plank
How to do it: Start with a forearm plank by resting your weight on your forearms and toes, keeping your body in a straight line.
Planks are an excellent exercise for strengthening your core, including the muscles around your waist. To perform a forearm plank, place your forearms on the ground, aligning your elbows beneath your shoulders. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels, engaging your core muscles. Hold this position for as long as you can, aiming to increase your endurance over time.
Russian Twists
How to do it: Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat. Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground.
Russian twists target your oblique muscles, which are responsible for those sought-after waistline curves. While seated on the ground, lift your feet off the floor, balancing on your sit bones. Lean back slightly and twist your torso to the left, then to the right, holding a weight or a suitable object for added resistance. This exercise engages your core and works your waistline with each twist.
Bicycle Crunches
How to do it: Lie on your back with your hands behind your head. Bring your knees toward your chest and lift your shoulder blades off the ground.
Bicycle crunches combine the benefits of traditional crunches with the rotational movement of twisting. Lie on your back, lift your shoulder blades off the ground, and bring your knees toward your chest. As you crunch, twist your torso, bringing your right elbow toward your left knee while extending your right leg. Alternate sides in a pedaling motion, engaging your obliques and working your waistline effectively.
Standing Side Crunches
How to do it: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and arms extended overhead.
Standing side crunches are an excellent standing exercise that targets your oblique muscles. Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart and your arms extended overhead. Then, bend at the waist to your right, reaching your right hand down your side. Return to the starting position and repeat on the left side. This exercise not only works your waist but also improves your balance.
Leg Raises
How to do it: Lie on your back with your hands under your hips for support. Lift your legs off the ground, keeping them straight, until they are perpendicular to the floor.
Leg raises are a simple yet effective exercise to strengthen your lower abdominal muscles and help tone your waistline. While lying on your back, place your hands under your hips for support. Lift your legs off the ground, keeping them straight, until they are perpendicular to the floor. Lower your legs back down without letting them touch the ground. This controlled movement engages your core and works your lower abs.
Mountain Climbers
How to do it: Start in a plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line.
Mountain climbers are a dynamic exercise that not only torches calories but also engages your entire core, including your waistline. Begin in a plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line. Alternate bringing your knees toward your chest in a running motion. This exercise elevates your heart rate while working your core muscles.
Incorporating these beginner-friendly exercises into your fall fitness routine is a fantastic way to target your waistline and build a strong core. Remember to start at your own pace, focusing on proper form and gradually increasing the intensity as you become more comfortable with the movements. This fall, embark on your journey to a slimmer waist and a healthier you!