Ways to Shrink Your Waistline

Everyone wants a trim waistline--simple as that. Lots of people make lots of money telling you how to do it, but it takes a combination of diet, exercise, posture and attitude to get a waist worthy of flaunting. That may sound complicated, like a lot of work, or time-consuming, but it is not. Let's take a look at what needs to be done.

Small Changes for Big Results

• The greatest results come from small changes in our daily habits. Get in the habit of standing and sitting straight. Not only does it make you look taller and thinner, it helps strengthen your core muscles because they are constantly engaged. Try standing more often during the day, as well as incorporating more walking into your routine. A few extra steps and moments of standing here and there add up, as both burn more calories than sitting.

Stop the Bloat

• Be sure to drink plenty of water to keep bloat at bay. Drink tea or eat a broth based soup before a meal to help you feel fuller sooner and help your meal to digest faster. Eat a few small meals more often during the day instead of a few big gut stretchers. Avoid carbonated drinks and chewing gum, which add air to the stomach.

Anytime Anywhere Exercises

• A few small exercises that can be done almost anytime or anywhere can be just as effective as a bunch of crunches. While sitting or standing, tighten your abs and hold them for a minimum of 5 seconds. Repeat this throughout the day. Buy a yoga ball and use it to sit on while watching TV or cruising the Internet. Sit up straight and tall and without even thinking you will be exercising your core muscles, as they work to keep you balanced on the ball.

Work that Core

• For an effective core workout plus stress reduction, try Pilates. There are tapes you can purchase or rent that explain the movements and all you need is a piece of floor to get a great workout that is easy on the joints and simple to master.

Cardio for Life

• Regular cardio exercise doing something you love is a great way to trim the waistline. Exercise does not have to be a formal activity like going to the gym or getting on the stair climber. It can be as casual and enjoyable as window shopping for antiques with a friend or a game of tag with the kids. Take a class doing something you have always been curious about that gets you moving like ballroom dancing or boxing.

Exercise for Fun

• Time your activities with the seasons. Hike or bike during the fall to enjoy the colorful leaves. Have a snowball fight in winter. Play ball in the spring. Go swimming during the summer. There are so many ways to make exercising social and a fun part of your life. Even if you only add activities to your schedule once or twice a week, you are building your relationship and creating memories with your family and friends while you are shrinking your waistline.