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Are there any reliable ways to whittle the waist?

43 replies

AuntieStella · 09/11/2016 12:39

I posted this in weight loss chat a little while ago, where it languished unanswered, presumably because it isn't really about weight loss.

I've reached my target weight and feel so much better for it. I've started running, and feel much better for that too.

However one thing I've noticed is that my waist is proportionately rather thicker than it was when last I was slim.

Now, perhaps I have to put this down to anno domini and just embrace it as part of my new shape.

But I'd like to try to slim it down, just an inch or two would be fine.

Any recommendations? Specific exercises? I'll be googling as well, but have a higher opinion of advice from MNetters.

I've found mention of oblique abs as the relevant muscle group. Is that right?

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nbee84 · 09/11/2016 22:28

I like to do side planks and dumbbell side bends (holding a fairly heavy dumbbell on one side only). Use youtube for technique - and you'll find lots of other oblique exercises too.

There are lots of variations on the side plank working from beginner level up to some more challenging moves.

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eurochick · 09/11/2016 22:30

I found fitness blender ab workouts on YouTube to be pretty effective.

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nbee84 · 09/11/2016 22:36

I'd forgotten about fitness blender - I used to do a standing abs workout that I really used to feel in my waist the next day. I must re look it up and give it another go.

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LaPharisienne · 09/11/2016 22:42

Cut down on sugar - alcohol, white bread etc. as well as the usual culprits. It all goes on around your waist!

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lljkk · 09/11/2016 22:51

How old are you, OP?
Hormones change which means fat redistributes as we age, basically women become shaped more like blokes.

I don't know if HRT magically undoes that hormonal effect.

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AuntieStella · 10/11/2016 07:40

I'm in my 50s lljjk and not on HRT. That's why I wondered if it was just anno domini, but I'd like to have a shot at changing it.

My tummy is generally flatter than it has been for ages (ever, possibly) and I put that down to the running. I do drink (wine, mainly) but diet is already low for white added sugar and white bread.

Thanks for the suggestions of exercises and the work out. I'll have a look.

I run 3-4 times a week, so a home workout 2-3 times a week might complement that. If I do things properly, and if it's going to take effect at my age anyhow, how long would it typically take to show some improvement?

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bruffin · 10/11/2016 07:42

Swimming really tones the waist

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sofato5miles · 10/11/2016 09:01

I swim 3 km a week and no waist whittling happening here.. Blush

Inspired by this thread i did the 10 min standing abs after my jog this morning.

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QuimReaper · 10/11/2016 09:19

I'd like to know this too.

I'm not at my target weight yet, 5-7lbs to go, but I am still thicker and podgier and jigglier around the middle than I would expect to be at my weight. Although I never really weighed myself "on the way up" I'm pretty sure when I was gaining, I was still smaller than this when I was heavier than this Confused

I've never been one for exercise so it can't realistically be that I've lost much muscle.

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QuimReaper · 10/11/2016 09:20

I aim for bout the same as you sofa but last couple of weeks have only managed 1 swim so about half that, and only started in September!

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sofato5miles · 10/11/2016 09:59

It's depressing isn't it? Trying to keep a diet and excercise regime on track. I was half a stone lighter before summer and then just maintained after a big summer blip Blush.

Another stone to go before Christmas and i am revitalised though.

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bruffin · 10/11/2016 10:55

3k is also about an hours swim, so not a lot and it also depends on your strokes and how much you stretch when you are doing them. I was swimming up to 4 hours a week in the summer and definitely had a lot of waist whittling. Im not a fast swimmer but ive been taught good stroke technique (still go to regular class) and all strokes including breast stroke involve elongating your body to make your way through the water as smooth as possible, which is toning your waist muscles all the time.
Lost about 8inches from my waist, I was dieting as well, but not cutting out carbs, just calorie counting and eating smaller portions. But stomach and sides definitely more toned, legs as well, same happened to friends who upped their swimming to join me. They swim a mile each session, but i do it by time because i lose count too easily.

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sofato5miles · 10/11/2016 11:38

I do 2 x 1hr. To do 60 x50m in an hour you have to be pretty fit.

We have a swim coach and do 12 warm up and then 16 in various drills, which take much longer. Ie butterfly arms and freestyle legs/ butterly kick on our backs. A few of the drills are specific to core as the coach knows our requirements! We are still not narrower of tummy but are much, much fitter!

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sofato5miles · 10/11/2016 12:04

And 2 to cool down.

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bruffin · 10/11/2016 12:04

Oops apologies I worked it out wrong Confused. Our pool is 25m and usually do over 70 lengths which is what about what i do, when i swim alone, which is mainly breaststroke, but about 10 lengths forearm and 10 lengths backstroke.
In class yesterday we did 50 x 25 which was 18 (6 of each warm up) then concentrated on backstroke drills including flipper work, i then went on to do a few more lengths after the class.
When i go by myself or with friends to a public swim i stick my music on and dont stop for an hour, so do a lot more lengths.

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MaidOfStars · 10/11/2016 13:35

Core exercises - plank, Russian twists etc. Build those abs.

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dementedpixie · 10/11/2016 13:40

Hooping has made a dfference to my whole midsection and has slimmed my waist and torso. I use a weighted power hoop and go to powerhoop classes at my local sports centre

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RunningGingerFreckleyThing · 10/11/2016 14:00

Agree with dementedpixie, hula hooping is great for slimming our waist. Pilates is good too and will complement running. I've found that I'm a lot stronger in my running Ince I started pilates last year.

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RunningGingerFreckleyThing · 10/11/2016 14:01

Our waist?! Sorry, I don't usually sound so poncey! I meant your waist.

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lljkk · 10/11/2016 20:27

3k is also about an hours swim

For most people it isn't.
Teen DS can manage 3k in about 65-70 minutes. He's one of the faster never stopping swimmers in the fast lane.

Sorry AuntieS, it's mostly your age (our age). The fat redistributes to be less of a classic female shape, due to change in hormones.

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bruffin · 10/11/2016 20:53

I said lilk i got it wrong

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NeedATrim · 10/11/2016 20:55

Youtube Callenetics for the waist. Amazing amazing core exercises using the tiniest of movements.

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Bobafatt · 10/11/2016 20:55

Placemarking. Tips that will work would be great.

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lljkk · 10/11/2016 21:14

ah... sorry Bruffin, my bad eyes.

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bruffin · 10/11/2016 21:37

I love the japanese Callinetics, called radio taiso Needatrim

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