If you want to create a waistline, you will need to exercise all of the core muscles, not just the abdominal muscles. The muscles in your hips, pelvis and lower back will help the waistline appear more defined. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of exercise a day for good health.
Cardio
Adding cardio or aerobic activity to your fitness plan will help burn fat that may be stored in your abdominal section. Choose an activity that you enjoy, such as walking, jogging, swimming or hiking, and aim to do 30 to 60 minutes, five days each week.
Situps
Begin by lying on your back on an exercise mat. Place your arms across your chest. Lift your shoulder blades off the mat and continue curling up until you are in a seated position. Slowly lower yourself back to the ground. Do three sets of eight to 12 repetitions. These will tone the muscles in the front of your stomach and in the pocket area of your hips.
Bicycle Crunches
Begin by lying on your back with your hands behind your head, but don't clasp your fingers together. Lift your legs off the ground and place them at a 90-degree angle. Lift your shoulder blades off the mat and bring your right elbow towards your left knee. Then return to center and bring your left elbow towards your right knee. This is one rep. Do three sets of eight to 12 reps. This exercise tones the sides of your stomach and your waistline.
Plank
Begin on your hands and knees on a mat with your hands placed directly under your shoulders. Then extend your legs out behind you and support your weight on your feet so you are in a bridge position. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and repeat two more times. This move works your entire core, including abs, glutes, lower back and hips.
Side Crunches
Begin by lying on your back with your hands behind your head, knees bent and feet flat on floor. Drop your knees to one side and leave them there for your entire set. Lift your upper body off the ground using your abdominal muscles and slowly lower back to the ground. Do one set of eight to 12 reps and then drop your knees and repeat a set on the other side. Do three sets total per each side. This exercise works your side abdominal muscles, helping to create a waistline.
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