Waist Reduction

Whittle your middle with our stomach-centred workout

Tone your tummy with this 20-minute workout.

Bikini season has arrived! Luckily, by spending just 20 minutes on your abs four or five times a week, you can lose those ice cream calories and tighten and tone your midsection. This routine works big muscle groups, so you’ll burn more calories in less time and challenge your abs from all angles.

ESTIMATED CALORIE BURN: For the average 140-lb woman, this 20-minute workout will burn 170 calories.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

THE WORKOUT

After warming up by walking, jogging, climbing stairs or doing jumping jacks for five to 10 minutes, perform one set each of the following four exercises in the order they appear. Once you have completed them, rest for 45 seconds, then repeat the circuit two more times. To ramp up the intensity, do jumping jacks for 45 seconds instead of resting between circuits. For optimal results, do this workout four or five times a week, incorporate 30 minutes of cardio at least four days a week and follow a healthy eating plan.

LUNGE WITH WOOD CHOPS

WHAT IT WORKS: Thighs, butt, shoulders, obliques and core HOW TO DO IT: Standing with your feet hip-width apart, hold a single dumbbell with both hands above your left shoulder [A]. Take a large step forward with your left foot, bending both knees until your left thigh is parallel to the mat and your right knee approaches but never touches the mat. Keeping both hands on the dumbbell, simultaneously swing the dumbbell down and across your body, toward your right hip, allowing your eyes to follow it to maximize your twist [B]. Push off your left foot and lift the dumbbell up and across your body to return to the start position. Repeat 10 to 15 times, then switch sides.