Exercises For A Thin Waist

According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, additional fat around your waistline translates into additional health risks, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones and certain cancers. The Weight-control Information Network, a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, warns that health risks increase when waist size exceeds 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men. Simple core exercises that work the abdominal region can help you achieve the flat tummy, trim waist and healthy lifestyle that you desire.

Flat Lifts

The lower rectus abdominus is located on the front of your stomach below the naval. According to Jorge Cruise, author of "8 Minutes in the Morning to a Flat Belly," the lower abdomen often weakens with age and after pregnancy. The flat lift is a beginner exercise that can strengthen the lower abs and trim your waistline.

Lie on your back with your knees bent and the soles of your feet on the floor. Lay your arms directly at your sides with your palms against the floor. Exhale and contract your stomach as you lift and extend your legs straight out at a 45-degree angle. Do not arch your back away from the floor. Hold the position for five seconds. Lower your legs to starting position, rest for two seconds and repeat. Do 10 repetitions.

Twisting Crunch

Denise Austin, author of "Shrink Your Female Fat Zones," claims that abdominal muscles work like a girdle, keeping your tummy flat and waistline slim. Twisting crunches help shrink love handles and trim your waistline by targeting your obliques, the muscles located along the sides of your abdomen.

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head with your elbows extended out to the sides. Exhale and lift your right shoulder to your left knee. Inhale as you lower your shoulder. Exhale and raise your left shoulder to your right knee. Continue to keep your elbows out, not closed around your head. Alternate from left to right. Do 12 repetitions.

Side Bends

Side bends also work on the obliques. They lend themselves to beginning, intermediate and experienced fitness levels. Stand with your knees slightly bent, feet shoulder-width apart. Place your hands behind your head with elbows out to the side. While tightening your stomach muscles, bend to your right side in a slow, controlled movement. Bring your right elbow toward your right knee. Beginners should repeat the exercise 10 times on the same side. Then perform the exercise on the left side 10 times. People at intermediate fitness levels can do 20 repetitions, and those at advanced levels can perform 40 repetitions.