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12 Best Exercises for a Slimmer Waist

Add these exercises to your routine for a strong and lean waistline.
FACT CHECKED BY Alexa Mellardo

If you're looking for the best exercises for a slimmer waist, you've come to the right place. Achieving a lean waistline requires a combination of targeted exercises that engage the core muscles and promote fat burning. I've carefully selected these 12 exercises that help my clients sculpt their waistlines effectively time and time again. Incorporate them into your fitness routine for a stronger core and a slimmer, more defined waist.

Adding these exercises to your regular fitness routine can help you achieve a slimmer waist by targeting and toning the muscles in the abdominal region. Consistency is key, so aim to perform these exercises at least three to four times per week for optimal results. Remember to combine these workouts with a healthy diet and overall fitness regimen for comprehensive waistline slimming and toning.

Keep reading for the best exercises for a slimmer waist, and when you're finished working out, be sure to check out 10 Best Exercises To Melt Lower Belly Fat.

Oblique Crunches

Oblique crunches specifically target the muscles on the sides of your abdomen, helping to tone and define your waist.

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head, and lift your right shoulder toward your left knee. Repeat on the other side. Perform 15 to 20 reps on each side.

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Russian Twists

illustration of how to do the russian twist core-strengthening exercise
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Russian twists engage the obliques and help trim excess fat around the waistline, promoting a slimmer appearance.

Sit on the floor with your knees bent, and lean back slightly. Hold your hands together, and twist your torso to the right, then to the left. Keep your core engaged throughout. Perform 20 twists on each side.

Plank Hip Dips

plank hip dip
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Plank hip dips work the entire core, focusing on the obliques, which aids in the reduction of love handles and contributes to a slimmer waistline.

Start in a plank position on your forearms. Rotate your hips to the right, dipping toward the floor. Return to the center, and repeat on the left side. Perform 15 to 20 reps on each side.

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Bicycle Crunches

woman doing bicycle crunches
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Bicycle crunches are an excellent exercise for engaging the entire core, including the obliques, promoting a toned and slim waist.

Lie on your back, and lift your legs, forming a 90-degree angle. Bring your right elbow toward your left knee while extending your right leg. Repeat on the other side. Perform 20 to 30 reps on each side.

Mountain Climbers

mountain climbers
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Mountain climbers are a dynamic exercise that engages the core and promotes calorie burning, contributing to overall fat loss around the waist.

Start in a plank position. Bring your right knee toward your chest, then switch legs quickly. Maintain a brisk pace. Perform 30 to 40 reps per leg.

Side Planks

side planks
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Side planks target the obliques, providing a great workout for achieving a slimmer waistline and building core strength.

Lie on your side, and prop yourself up on your elbow. Lift your hips, creating a straight line from your head to your heels. Hold for 30 seconds to one minute. Switch sides, and repeat.

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Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers engage the obliques and lower abdominal muscles, contributing to a tighter and more defined waist.

Lie on your back with arms extended to the sides. Lift your legs toward the ceiling. Lower your legs to the right, then to the left in a controlled motion. Perform 15 to 20 reps on each side.

Standing Side Crunches

Standing side crunches target the obliques and can be performed anywhere, offering a convenient way to work on a slimmer waist.

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands behind your head. Lift your right knee toward your right elbow, crunching the side. Repeat on the left side. Perform 20 to 30 reps on each side.

Leg Raises

illustration of leg lifts
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Leg raises engage the lower abdominal muscles, helping to tone and tighten the waistline for a slimmer appearance.

Lie on your back with your legs straight. Lift your legs toward the ceiling, then lower them without touching the floor. Keep your lower back pressed into the ground. Perform 15 to 20 reps.

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Hula Hooping

hula hooping
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Hula hooping is a fun and effective way to engage the entire core—especially the muscles around the waist, promoting toning and slimming.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and spin the hula hoop around your waist. Keep your core engaged, and try to maintain a continuous motion. Hoop for 10 to 15 minutes for an effective workout.

Woodchoppers

dumbbell wood chopper exercise illustration
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Woodchoppers mimic the motion of chopping wood, engaging the obliques and contributing to a more sculpted waistline.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands. Rotate your torso, and bring the weight down toward your right foot. Return to the starting position, and repeat on the left side. Perform 15 to 20 reps on each side.

Reverse Crunches

reverse crunches
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Reverse crunches target the lower abdominal muscles, providing a comprehensive workout for achieving a slimmer waist.

Lie on your back with your hands by your sides. Lift your legs toward the ceiling, then curl your hips off the floor. Lower your legs back down without letting them touch the ground. Perform 15 to 20 reps.

Tyler Read, BSc, CPT
Tyler Read is a personal trainer and has been involved in health and fitness for the past 15 years. Read more about Tyler
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