There are so many workouts to have an hourglass body these days that it’s hard to know where to start. You may want a workout routine that will help you gain weight, lose weight or just tone up your abs and butt. To get an idea of what might work best for you, consider what kind of shape you’re hoping to achieve.
Experts agree that the perfect physique includes both curves and definition. The most sought-after women have lean limbs with enough muscle tone in their legs, arms, shoulders, back and abs to give them definition but still maintain their feminine curves. This is known as an hourglass figure because the shape resembles the earthly symbol for hours—an elegant woman with curvy hips, slim waist, and toned shoulders.
One of the best workouts for this is Pilates. It builds lean muscles and strong bones. It has even been proven to reduce cellulite, improve posture and balance as well as increase flexibility, physical strength, and endurance. Other types of workouts that can help you develop a similar figure include yoga, weight training, dance classes, and low-impact cardio routines such as swimming or biking.
[You should always consult your doctor before starting any new workout routine though because it’s important that you have good overall health first in order to achieve optimum results from exercise.]
If you’re interested in working towards an hourglass figure as fast as possible then some experts recommend focusing heavily on toning your arms and shoulders with weights during your workout sessions one or two times a week, plus your usual cardio routine. For the rest of the workouts to have an hourglass body you should aim to do Pilates at least three times a week for 45 minutes or more each time. You can also take dance classes, yoga, and swimming lessons if you like—the key is to try different activities until you find what works best for your particular needs and abilities.
Exercises to do Every Day for an Hourglass Figure
Pushups
A great way to get started on building muscle tone in your arms is by doing pushups every day during the first week of your workout plan. Pushups burn fat while toning your biceps, triceps, and shoulders. They’re simple but they work!
Crunches
If pushups hurt your wrists then start with regular crunches instead—they tone muscles all over your body, including your abs and back. Try doing at least 100 crunches every day during the first week of your workout plan. If you like a bit more challenging exercise, try doing bicycle crunches instead.
Lunges
Add lunges to your daily routine as soon as you feel strong enough. This exercise helps you tone both legs and can help improve your posture by strengthening your hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves. Try doing five or more daily lunges in place of some regular crunches or pushups if it feels right for you.
Squats
Squats are another great leg toning move that can be added to any workout schedule with ease—they’ll help give definition to the backs of your legs even faster than lunges will! They also help build lean muscle mass, tighten calf muscles and strengthen hip flexors which is a fancy way of saying they help tighten your butt.
Side Planks
This final exercise is a great ab workout that’s easy to do and gives definition to your obliques—the muscles on both sides of your waist. To add side planks to your schedule, try doing at least 20 every day for the first week you’re working out. Then slowly increase from there as you feel comfortable with it.
Trunk Rotations
Do these to tighten your waist and improve your posture. Stand with feet a couple of inches apart, knees slightly bent. Slowly turn your trunk from side to side, keeping your pelvis in a neutral position (don’t let it sway.) You can add a 3-5 pound weight to each hand if you wish.
Cardio
For cardio, you should try running for at least 30 minutes every day until you start seeing results. If running doesn’t feel right for you then try biking instead—it’s great cardio and uses very similar muscles in the same way.
Combine all of these different workouts into your daily schedule to best suit your abilities and needs. If one day feels like too much, cut back on some of them so that you can build up your tolerance. Within 8 weeks or so, you should start seeing noticeable changes in the shape of your body!
Pilates Exercises for Your Daily Moves
Pilates is definitely the best workout to have an hourglass figure. If you are not sure what exactly Pilates workouts are, it’s a series of movements that will stretch and strengthen your muscles (It focuses on your core.) There are different types of Pilates workouts but the best Pilates exercises to lose weight and firm up muscles are the ones that focus on core strength. The entire workout focuses on strengthening your largest muscle group which includes your abdominals, lower back, hips, and buttocks.
The best workout routines for having an hourglass figure should be done every day without skipping any days. You could try including some Pilates exercises for your daily routine:
Roll-up
Start with lying down on the mat then roll up slowly, reaching forward with arms straight. Make sure that your legs stay flat on the mat. Slowly go back down to starting position and repeat! If this becomes easy, place hands next to shoulders instead of extended in front.
Teaser
This exercise is done by lying face-up on the mat, arms resting by your sides, and legs extended out straight. Imagine there is a glass of water placed on your navel (belly button) because you don’t want to spill it! Slowly lift both arms and legs at the same time, maintaining that “glass” position without spilling over—slowly lower back down and repeat!
Side Kick
This Pilates exercise starts with lying on the side, thighs stacked and arms by your head. Keeping legs straight, slowly kick one leg up to the front(without lifting the hips off the mat) then move back to the initial position. Repeat on the other side and continue alternating kicks for several reps!
Shoulder Bridge
Start by lying face-up on the mat, legs bent and arms resting by your sides. Lift up hips while keeping shoulders pressed into the mat, then raise one leg up to reach the top of the ceiling! (Hips should be higher than shoulders with feet still touching the mat.) The working leg should be extended out, lift up and slowly bring it back down and continue for several reps. The same goes for the other leg.
Rolling like a Ball
Start by laying on the mat then place arms at your sides. Sit up and tuck in your legs close to the chest. Hold both legs with hands to keep in a curl-up position. Slowly roll yourself backward, through your spine up to the upper shoulder level. Then, roll forward to the starting position. Do this for a few reps.
Ending Note
This is a really great workout routine that will help you get an hourglass figure in no time. All of these exercises are good for your everyday routine. Make sure not to overdo it though—you don’t want to become tired or sore when working out! Remember, there’s no need to rush. Building up your tolerance slowly really helps to improve your overall fitness level without increasing too much stress on muscles and joints (thus allowing them to recover faster.)
Don’t let anything hold you back from working towards that perfect hourglass figure! You might be surprised at what you can achieve with a bit of time and dedication.
