6 Essential Waist-Sculpting Core Exercises

Plank

The plank is an effective exercise for strengthening your core and sculpting your waistline. Hold a plank position with your forearms on the ground and your body in a straight line for a set amount of time.

Russian Twists

Sit on the ground with your knees bent and feet lifted off the floor. Hold a weight or medicine ball and twist your torso from side to side, engaging your oblique muscles.

Side Plank

Lie on your side with your forearm on the ground and your body in a straight line. Lift your hips off the ground and hold the position, engaging your obliques.

Bicycle Crunches

Lie on your back with your hands behind your head. Lift your shoulders off the ground and bring your opposite elbow to your opposite knee, alternating sides in a cycling motion.

Mountain Climbers

Start in a high plank position and bring one knee towards your chest, then quickly switch legs in a running motion. This exercise targets your core and also provides a cardiovascular challenge.

Leg Raises

Lie on your back with your hands by your sides. Lift your legs off the ground, keeping them straight, and lower them back down without touching the ground. This exercise targets your lower abs.