A 9-Minute Workout For A Flat Belly And Slender Waist
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Flat abs and an hourglass waistline are the not-so-secret desires of many women who crave for a little more chiseled body. Well, we all love ourselves the way we are, but who says a slim waist can only be achieved by drastic, unhealthy means? Most fitness conscious women who have slender bodies are the ones who are among the healthier of the lot. They don’t deprive themselves of good things in life but eat right and exercise well!
So, have you already made up your mind about the nearest gym where you want to enroll at the earliest? Excellent! But for those of you who are too busy (or lazy) to make it to the gym, you don’t have to feel disappointed. We bring you a less-than-10-minute workout session that will give you stunning results!
What’s Your Body Shape?
Think of a workout for the waistline and what comes to your mind is abdominal crunches. But let’s clear this fallacy. Not all crunches will slim down your waist; in fact, some may even widen them! Don’t worry, we have some very useful tips from experts. These will give you the best results if followed correctly.
First of all, your waistline depends on the shape of your body: Is it apple shape, pear shape, hourglass or rectangular in shape? Some body types maintain their shape even when they gain weight. Hourglass and pear-shaped bodies are the best examples.
3 Cardinal Rules For A Slim Waist
A slim waist is not a miracle or any best-kept secret. A well-toned body and slim waist are, in fact, a measure of good health. In other words, if you are taking care of your overall health, chances are high that you already have a slim waistline.
Firstly, keep your weight under control by following a good health regimen. Eat right, drink plenty of water, sleep well, and make it a point to work out or do brisk walking at least 3 to 4 days a week.
Secondly, avoid a bad posture. An incorrect posture not only affects your height but also your waistline. Two people having the same waist measurements may look very different in size because of their different postures. Stand and sit straight, in a balanced upright posture. Avoid bending your head forward or slouching or swaying your back. All of these cause weak abdominal muscles. In fact, the very act of standing upright with one’s stomach tucked in is an abdominal exercise in itself!
Thirdly, check your paunch. Healthy eating and a good posture will automatically keep a control on your belly from protruding.
A Set Of 5 Workouts For A Slim Waistline
No matter how busy you are, take some time out for these 5 exercises for a healthy you with well-toned looks!
1. Vacuum Belly (2 Minutes)
Lie down on your back with knees bent. Inhale deep and then exhale through your mouth. Try to breathe out from the lungs, creating suction in your abdomen. Do this for 15 seconds initially, slowly increasing the duration. Do not stretch the duration beyond your comfort level. Repeat 3 – 5 times.
2. Forward And Backward Bending (2 Minutes)
Keep your feet shoulder-width apart in the standing position. Then bend forward and touch the floor. After this, bend backwards with your arms on your waist. Repeat 15 – 20 times.
3. Variety Of Planks (2 Minutes Total Time)
Hold your body weight on your elbows and toes for about 30 seconds. Do it in sets of 3, alternating on elbows, hands, and side planks. Planking is a great way to increase your core strength. Repeat 3 times.
4. Side Stretch (1 Minute)
Stand with your feet apart and lunge with your left leg. Hold the position for 8 seconds. Be careful not to bend backwards or forward. Repeat the same with your right leg. Repeat 3 times on each side.
5. Rapid Boxing Twists (2 Minutes)
Lie down on your back with your knees bent. Next, with your hands at the back of your head, lift the upper body and then return to the starting position. Do this without breaks. Repeat 12 – 15 times in sets of three.
Health experts have been reiterating time and again that there is nothing like spot reduction. You cannot shed fat from one region by doing crunches alone. Exercising is all about improving the overall metabolism, flexibility, and muscle toning.
Besides exercising, you also need to pay enough attention to eating healthy food. Remember, a balanced diet is as important as any workout routine. The more you work out, the more you need to replenish your body with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and all the necessary nutrients. Do not underestimate or disregard the importance of carbs, which is also a major source of energy. Well, it does not mean you need to eat more but you need to eat right!
Follow this 9–minute routine with the right diet and see the results for yourself!
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