Workout Wednesday: 5 Minute Waist Workout

While we still have some time before swimsuit season, core strength is always important. Building and maintaining muscles in this part of your body will help to improve posture, reduce back pain, and support overall wellness. This particular set of moves will also work to whittle your waist, which doesn't hurt either.

Benefits: Helps tone oblique muscles and strengthen the torso and inner thighs.

Step 1

Start lying sideways with your feet parallel. Keep your top hip directly above the bottom hip. Place top hand in front of the chest for the balance and the other hand under your head.

Step 2

Keep both legs together using strength in your inner thighs. Lift legs up, then lower down with control. Repeat 6 to 8 times.

Step 3

While keeping both legs off the mat kick them forward, then back. Repeat 6 to 8 times

Step 4

While keeping both legs off the mat, lift top leg up then bring it back down to meet the bottom leg (“inner thigh squeeze”). Repeat 6 to 8 times.

Step 5

While both legs are floating, move one leg forward and the other back then switch the position while making little steps. Keep steps small but fast.

Repeat all 5 steps on the other side.

Honest Tip: Make sure to keep your torso stable while you move your legs.  

~Leila, FitPilates

Leila Cunningham is a Certified Pilates Instructor based in Los Angeles, California. When she isn’t sharing her knowledge and passion for Pilates at her studio, she’s spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters. For more fitness tips and easy exercises, check out her YouTube channel.

This post is solely for informational purposes. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for health advice. Before undertaking any course of exercise, you should seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider.