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Fitness Trainer Reveals 5 Things That Changed Her Physique

Change your body by incorporating these diet and fitness habits into your routine.

Stevie Ann Griffin

Are you trying to lose weight and change your body's shape and composition? One expert claims it all comes down to a handful of diet and fitness habits. Stevie Ann Griffin is a fitness trainer and digital creator who shares tips and tricks on how to get into shape. In a new post, she revealed how she added swerve and definition to her curves. “5 Things That Changed My Physique,” she titled the post, revealing what she did.


Progressive Overload

The first thing that helped change her physique was progressive overload. “Real changes happened when I focused on increasing weights, reps, or sets each week. Strength builds over time, and so do results,” she says.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Nutrition

She also maintains that nutrition is 80% of the work. “You cannot outwork a bad diet. Prioritizing protein, whole foods, and eating in a calorie deficit (if fat loss is the goal) is non-negotiable,” she writes.

Sticking to a Plan

Next, sticking to a plan is key if you want to transform your body. “Random workouts = random results. Following a 4-5 day strength split, progressively overloading, and staying consistent is what changed my body,” she says.

She Stopped Overtraining

She also stopped overtraining. “More isn’t always better. Training 2-3 hours a day left me inflamed and exhausted. Recovery is just as important as the work itself,” she points out.

RELATED:10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

Cardio & Strength Go Hand in Hand

What is better for transforming your body: Cardio or strength training? Both.“Cardio keeps your heart strong. Strength training builds muscle. You need both—just don’t overcomplicate it,” she says.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Be Consistent

Her final message? “At the end of the day, results come from simple, consistent habits: eat enough protein, strength train, get your steps in, and fuel your body properly. That’s it.”

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

In another post, she reveals that she is also a fan of high intensity interval training. “There are many opinions on HIIT, but ultimately, it’s about what suits your body. For me, HIIT has been crucial for fat loss. Short bursts of intense activity followed by brief recovery periods keep your heart rate up, enhancing fat burning and calorie expenditure in a shorter time compared to other workouts,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you trying to lose weight and change your body's shape and composition? One expert claims it all comes down to a handful of diet and fitness habits. Stevie Ann Griffin is a fitness trainer and digital creator who shares tips and tricks on how to get into shape. In a new post, she revealed how she added swerve and definition to her curves. “5 Things That Changed My Physique,” she titled the post, revealing what she did.

Progressive Overload

The first thing that helped change her physique was progressive overload. “Real changes happened when I focused on increasing weights, reps, or sets each week. Strength builds over time, and so do results,” she says.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Nutrition

She also maintains that nutrition is 80% of the work. “You cannot outwork a bad diet. Prioritizing protein, whole foods, and eating in a calorie deficit (if fat loss is the goal) is non-negotiable,” she writes.

Sticking to a Plan

Next, sticking to a plan is key if you want to transform your body. “Random workouts = random results. Following a 4-5 day strength split, progressively overloading, and staying consistent is what changed my body,” she says.

She Stopped Overtraining

She also stopped overtraining. “More isn’t always better. Training 2-3 hours a day left me inflamed and exhausted. Recovery is just as important as the work itself,” she points out.

RELATED:10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

Cardio & Strength Go Hand in Hand

What is better for transforming your body: Cardio or strength training? Both.“Cardio keeps your heart strong. Strength training builds muscle. You need both—just don’t overcomplicate it,” she says.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Be Consistent

Her final message? “At the end of the day, results come from simple, consistent habits: eat enough protein, strength train, get your steps in, and fuel your body properly. That’s it.”

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

In another post, she reveals that she is also a fan of high intensity interval training. “There are many opinions on HIIT, but ultimately, it’s about what suits your body. For me, HIIT has been crucial for fat loss. Short bursts of intense activity followed by brief recovery periods keep your heart rate up, enhancing fat burning and calorie expenditure in a shorter time compared to other workouts,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Does your weight loss and transformation seem to be taking longer than it should? You could be making a few mistakes, according to one expert. Persis Kapadia is a fitness trainer and online coach who trains women to be “the best version of themselves.” In a new social media post, she reveals several things she wished she had done to accelerate her fat loss process. “My progress would have been 10 times faster if I did this,” she writes across the Instagram video.

You Cannot Outrain a Bad Diet

Number one, "You CANNOT out-train a bad diet," she says in her post. "Nutrition is 80% of success for changing your body composition. You can workout 5 days a week, but if your diet isn't adjusted, it's almost like a waste of time. Exercise alone can't 'change' your body."

RELATED: Fitness Coach Reveals Strength Training Secret That Burns Fat at 40

Do Cardio After Weights – Not Before

Another thing she recommends? "Do Cardio AFTER weights for fat loss," she says. "Weight training is essential for building and preserving muscle mass. Doing cardio after weight training ensures that you prioritize weightlifting which helps prevent excessive muscle breakdown during cardio. This is particularly important if your primary goal is muscle gain or body recomposition."

Prioritize Form

Next, prioritize "Form over ego," she says. "Take your time & focus on your form. This will reduce the risk of injury by ensuring proper muscle engagement. Also, focusing on form allows for targeted muscle activation, leading to more effective workouts and better overall results."

Do Fewer Heavy Reps Over High Reps of Light

When in doubt, lift heavier. "Fewer heavy reps over high reps of light," she writes. "This will focus on building strength and muscle size. Heavy weights challenge your muscles more intensely, leading to greater muscle growth and strength gains. If you can do 10-12 reps in an exercise, it's time to go up in weight and do less reps," she says.

RELATED: Cortisol Expert Lost 35 Pounds After Fixing These 5 Daily Mistakes

Limit the Number of Exercises

It can be tempting to do lots of different exercises, but don't, she says. "Limit the number of exercises," she writes. "4-5 exercises are enough. This way, you can focus more intensely on each movement and maximize the effectiveness of your workout. Prioritizing quality over quantity in your workouts will lead to better progress and performance in the long run." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Kiki (@kikivirk) is a weight loss influencer who has amassed a social media following for sharing all the tips and tricks that enabled her to lose a whopping 60 pounds and keep it off. In one of her viral videos – viewed over 8 million times, Kiki reveals the biggest weight loss mistake she made on her journey – and also what ultimately led to her weight loss success.


She Says Doing High Intensity Workouts Were a “Huge Mistake”

@kikivirk

The plan that helped me shed 60lbs 💪🏽 #weightloss #pcos #pcosweightloss #weightlossmotivation #weightlosstipsforwomen #pcosworkout

“I was so motivated to lose weight and I wanted to see results fast, but I didn't do my research and I jumped straight in, literally into a high intensity, 90 day workout plan. Huge mistake,” Kiki says in the video.

After 45 Days She Hadn’t Lost Weight

kikivirk2kikivirk/TikTok

After a month-and-a-half, she didn't feel like she'd lost any weight. “I was overdoing it. The long, painful HIIT workouts were actually doing my body no good. They were causing it too much stress and loads of other problems,” she says.

Related: 5 Pilates Exercises for a Flat Stomach in 14 Days

She Had “Weight Plateaus” and “Felt So Hungry and Fatigued”

young sports woman working out, running and feeling tired on treadmill in gymShutterstock

In another video, she specified that she was doing “high intensity cardio” five times a week in hopes it “would burn fat fast and give me my dream body,” she explained. “But instead, I had weight plateaus and felt so hungry and fatigued.

Her Fat Began to “Melt Off” When She Started Strength Training

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“Literally, as soon as I started strength training and less cardio, the fat began to melt off, and the lean muscle mass I gained gave me the tone look I'd always wanted,” she continued.

Her Program: LISS, Walking, Strength and Resistance Training, and a Short HIIT Workout

Running shoes - woman tying shoe laces. Closeup of female sport fitness runner getting ready for jogging outdoors on waterfront in late summer or fallShutterstock

Her program starts with doing 45 to 60 minutes of LISS cardio four times a week. She also walks 7 to 12,000 steps every day, does strength and resistance training three times a week, and a 15-minute HIIT workout once a week.

Related: Patrick Mahomes' "Natural Dad Bod" Has Everyone Talking. Here's How to Ditch It, According to Expert

An Expert Weighs In

Kendra_Gamblehitfitnesstraining/Instagram

“What she says is definitely spot on,” says Kendra Gamble, HIT Fitness Training, Huntingdon Valley, PA, NPTI Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritional Consultant. “Intense cardio and intense HIIT more than twice a week will do the body more harm than good and is not the way to lose fat and get that toned look.” Instead, she agrees that “increasing your everyday steps is more of the most important and beginner things you can do to start losing fat along with getting your diet right.” Unfortunately, “fat loss is not an immediate thing and will take time and dedication but she explains it all perfectly.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are a beginner trying to lose weight, starting by increasing your steps and modifying your diet instead of going overboard with higher intensity workouts.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Ashley Carlson (@ashleycarlson.co) is a weight loss and fitness influencer who regularly shares videos about everything she did to get into the best shape of her life. In a viral video she shares a few things that were instrumental in her weight loss. “Three things that I did to lose 25 pounds,” Ashley says in the clip. We also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, to weigh in on her strategy.


She Transitioned Her Fitness Approach

@ashleycarlson.co

Weight comes off when we give our body what it needs

In the video she explains that exercise doesn’t always equate to weight loss. “At my heaviest, I was doing group fitness classes five to six times a week, busting my ass for an hour, doing these high intensity workouts,” she says. “So I cut back on those.” Collingwood agrees that “changing up an exercise routine is often a good idea if what you are doing isn’t working anymore.”

She Started Walking Daily

Ashley-Carlson_ashleycarlson2ashleycarlson.co/TikTok

“I started walking every single day. Instead, I aim for about 10,000 steps a day. I don't track my steps anymore, so sometimes I hit that, sometimes I don't. But 10,000 to 12,000 steps a day was usually my goal,” she continues. “Sometimes HIIT workouts are too high intensity and can lead to injuries, especially if doing the classes almost every day,” says Collingwood. “Zone 2 cardio, which is a nice fast paced walk for many people, can put you into the fat burning zone and be quite beneficial for weight loss and is much easier on your body.”

Related: I Lost 100 Pounds at Home Before Even Getting Into a Gym. Here’s How to Start.

She Also Started Strength Training

Beautiful blonde middle age woman doing weights exercises with dumbbells outdoors, sunny summer evening. Healthy active lifestyle, body consciousShutterstock

She also “started implementing things like body strength training, but just not pushing my body super, super hard and listening to my body more,” Ashley continues. Strength training is key because it helps you maintain and/or build muscle, explains Collingwood. “Most weight loss isn’t just all body fat—we will also lose some muscle, too. If you do regular strength training you can minimize muscle loss. In addition, muscle burns calories on your body and increases your metabolism, helping you to overall increase total calorie burn.”

She Amped Up Protein Intake

Medium,Rare,Ribeye,Steak,,Herbs,Grass,Fed, Beefed,meatShutterstock

The second thing she did was “include more protein in my diet, specifically animal-based protein, because it is more bioavailable,” she says. “Protein, specifically animal-based protein, is very high in quality and provides a good deal of essential amino acids,” says Collingwood. “Protein has a higher thermic effect of food than carbs and fat, which means you actually burn more calories digesting it than carbs and fat. Protein is also very satiating, so it can keep you from getting hungry earlier.”

Related: I Lost 100 Pounds in 1 Year. Here’s How I Did It

She Added Minerals to Her Water

Women holding drinking bottle and opening the cap of a water bottle to drink water.Shutterstock

“And the third thing I did is I started adding minerals to my filtered water,” Ashley says. “Minerals create the enzymes in our body that then tell our hormones what to do. So you might not have a hormonal imbalance. You might actually have a mineral deficiency.” Taking a vitamin/mineral supplement daily is a good idea to make sure you aren’t having any deficiencies, agrees Collingwood. “You don’t need to necessarily add them to your water, but eating a balanced diet and taking just a simple multi vitamin with minerals per day is typically sufficient.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Lower impact exercise can be just as effective for weight loss as higher impact, and much easier on your body.

Bec Gibbs becgibbs.fitness
Copyright becgibbs.fitness/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you trying to lose weight? One expert claims to know some secret tricks. Bec Gibbs is an online coach and fitness trainer who helps “hard working Women 25+ lose weight & love their tone without complicated meal plans or spending hours in the gym.” She unveils some of her fat loss secrets in a new social media post. “5 Fat Loss Hacks I Wish I Knew Sooner,” she titled the post.

Consistency Over Perfection

Woman,Making,Meal,Plan,In,Kitchen,fridge,cooking​Meal PlanningShutterstock

Her first hack is consistency over perfection. “Stick to your meal and workout plan for at least 2-4 weeks before judging your progress. Real change takes time!” she says.

Protein is Your Powerhouse

High protein food for body builders as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, buckwheat, oatmeal, nuts, bean, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed. Top view.Shutterstock

Next, amp up your protein. “Make protein a staple at every meal. It keeps you fuller for longer, supports muscle recovery, and helps curb cravings,” she writes.

Move More Throughout the Day

Woman exercise walking in the park listening to music with headphone​She Recommends Three 10-Minute Walks Per DayShutterstock

Make sure to move throughout the day. “Beyond your workouts, try to add an extra 1.5-2k steps daily. Small bursts of movement add up and boost your metabolism,” she recommends.

Hydrate to Elevate

Girl drinking water from bottle in forrestShutterstock

Next, hydrate. “Increasing your water intake by just 500ml daily can help control hunger and keep your metabolism humming,” she says.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Prioritize Quality Sleep

She has good night's sleepShutterstock

Finally, make sure to get enough sleep. “A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable. Aim for an earlier bedtime (yes, that means no scrolling in bed!) to aid recovery and optimize fat loss,” she says.

Also, She Busts Some Fitness Myths, Including Daily Workouts

A bodybuilder in shape is swinging kettlebell while standing in a gym.Shutterstock

In another post, she tackles fitness myths you shouldn’t believe. The first one? “You need to work out every day to see results,” she says. “While consistency is key, rest is just as important. Your body needs recovery time to rebuild and grow stronger. Overtraining can lead to burnout and injury—rest days are essential for long-term progress and also if you set yourself an unrealistic workout goal you will never achieve it and give up!”

Myth 2: Lifting Weights Will Make You Bulky

Strong woman exercising with heavy weights. Fit female doing deadlift workout with barbell in old warehouse.Shutterstock

Myth two is “You’ll get bulky from lifting weights,” she writes. “Ladies, fear not! Lifting weights won’t automatically make you bulky. It will, however, help you build lean muscle, boost your metabolism, and leave you looking toned and strong. Say goodbye to the “toning” myth—muscle is your friend!”

Myth 3: The Scale Is the Best Measure of Progress

Happy young woman on scales at homeI’m a Nutritionist and Here’s How You Can Lose Your First 10 Pounds Shutterstock

The final myth? “The scale is the best measure of progress,” she says. “Weight isn’t the whole picture. Factors like muscle gain, water retention, and hormonal changes can affect the number on the scale. Focus on how you feel, your strength, and your performance—those are far more important indicators of progress.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Grace Macena nutritionwith_grace
Nutritionist Reveals the 6 Morning Habits That Helped Her Lose 20 Pounds
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs have become popular for weight loss. However, according to some health experts, there are foods you can eat that trigger the same appetite-suppressing hormones as the injections. Grace Macena is a social media influencer and “macro focused” nutritionist who promotes sustainable weight loss. In a new post, she reveals some of the foods that can help with weight loss. “10 foods that I eat daily that mimic Ozempic,” she writes.

Ozempic Turns Down Your Appetite

“These medications mimic a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) — and here’s why that matters,” she writes in the post. “Basically, they turn down your appetite and help your body use food more efficiently.”

Here Is What These Foods Do

  • They slow down how fast food leaves your stomach (you stay full longer)
  • They help regulate blood sugar after meals
  • They reduce cravings by acting on hunger centers in your brain
  • They improve insulin sensitivity

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

1. Avocados

Green ripe avocado top close up view. Texture vegan healthy food background. Diet organic vegetable poster photoShutterstock

Avocados are the first food she eats to mimic the effects of Ozempic. “Healthy fats = steady blood sugar + long-lasting fullness,” she says.

2. Potatoes

Hot buttered jacket baked potatoes close up with steam. baked potatoe​Bonus Tip: Look Out for Hidden CaloriesShutterstock

Next up is a surprising starch: potatoes, “boiled or baked,” she says. “High on the satiety index = super filling with fewer calories.”

3. Chia Seeds

wooden spoon filled with black chia seeds and heart symbolShutterstock

Chia seeds, which are fibrous little seeds that expand when soaked in liquid, are food number three. “Forms a gel in your stomach = makes you feel full fast,” she writes.

4. Eggs

Close up of farmer is showing fresh eggs laid at the moment by ecologically grown hens in barn of countryside agricultural farm. Concept of agriculture, bio and eco farming, bio food products.​Eggs and Egg Whites: The Complete Protein PackageShutterstock

Eggs, a staple in most healthy diets, are only on her list. “Protein powerhouse that lowers hunger hormones,” she writes.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

5. Oats

A detailed close-up of a heap of rolled oats, showcasing the texture and individual oat flakes. The image focuses on the surface, emphasizing the organic and natural quality of the oatsShutterstock

Oats, especially steel-cut, are another must-eat to mimic Ozempic. “High fiber = blunts blood sugar spikes + keeps you full,” she says.

6. Greek Yogurt

Natural creamy Greek yoghurt on wooden table background​Plain Greek YogurtShutterstock

She is also a fan of Greek yogurt, another food most health experts recommend. “Balances gut health & helps control hunger,” she says.

7. Leafy Greens

Fresh spinach leaves in bowl on rustic wooden table. Top view.​SpinachShutterstock

Leafy greens, including kale and spinach, also made the list. “Low cal, high volume = fills you up without the calories,” she says.

8. Meat

Cooking,Juicy,Beef,Steak,By,Chef,Hands,On,Dark,Black​Stick to Certain ProteinsShutterstock

Meat, specifically lean cuts like chicken or beef, is high on her list. “High protein = reduces ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and boosts metabolism,” she says.

9. Salmon

Salmon with black pepper on plate close up.Shutterstock

Up next, salmon. “Omega-3s support insulin health & reduce cravings,” she says about the popular fish.

RELATED:What Happens When You Quit Soda, According to a Nutritionist

10. Berries

Assortment of fresh ripe berries as background, top view​BerriesShutterstock

Last on the list of Ozempic-like foods? Berries. “Fiber + antioxidants = better blood sugar control,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time

Mr America Jason Kozma mramericajasonkozma
Copyright mramericajasonkozma/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you ever wonder what exercises fitness pros do themselves to achieve their award-winning bodies? We have the answer. Body Network asked Mr. America himself, Jason Kozma, a Los Angeles personal trainer, High Performance Personal Training, to spill the beans on his top core exercises for strong abs. Here are seven he swears by.

Hanging Leg Raises

Fit woman doing hanging leg lifts abs muscles exercise on horisontal bar working out outside.Shutterstock

Why trainers love it: This move targets the lower abs, which are notoriously hard to hit. It also challenges grip and shoulder stability.

How to do it: Hang from a pull-up bar with your arms fully extended. Some gyms have arm loops expressly for this exercise. Keeping your legs straight, raise them until they’re parallel to the ground (or higher for advanced). Slowly lower them down without swinging.

Trainer Tip: Avoid using momentum; go slow for max burn.

Planks (and Variations)

Close up of a serious asian sportswoman in earphones doing plank exercise outdoors at the beachShutterstock

Why trainers love it: Planks build deep core strength and improve posture by engaging multiple stabilizing muscles.

How to do it: Forearms on the ground, body in a straight line from head to heels. Keep your glutes and core tight—don’t let your hips sag. Hold for 30–60 seconds.

Trainer Tip: Progress to side planks, plank shoulder taps, or plank reaches for added challenge.

Weighted Sit-Ups

Asian woman are sit-up with added weight on her more and more trainer are there to help.

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Why trainers love it: Adding resistance helps strengthen and grow your rectus abdominis (the six-pack muscles).

How to do it: Lie on your back with knees bent, holding a weight plate or dumbbell against your chest or extended overhead. Perform a sit-up while keeping control of the weight. Best to find something to anchor your feet or use a sit-up bench.

Trainer Tip: Keep your lower back from arching as you sit up.

Weighted Crunches

Young sporty attractive woman doing toning pilates exercise for abs with exercise circle, crunches for abdominal strengthening using pilates magic circle, wearing sportswear at yoga studio or at home

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Why trainers love it: A focused, compact move that brings serious burn to the upper abs.

How to do it: Lie on your back, knees bent, weight plate either held behind your head or held at arms length above your face. Crunch upward, lifting shoulder blades off the floor, then lower with control.

Trainer Tip: You can do these on an exercise ball to get a greater range of motion.

Russian Twists (Weighted or Bodyweight)

Abs workout - fitness woman working out on beach doing russian twists abs exercises with raised legs for stomach weight loss toning. Fit body oblique muscles training Asian girl.​Target Side Core MusclesShutterstock

Why trainers love it: Excellent for building oblique strength and rotational power.

How to do it: Sit with your knees bent, heels off or lightly touching the floor. Hold a weight and twist side to side, touching the ground on each rep.

Trainer Tip: Keep your chest lifted and back straight to avoid strain.

Dead Bug

dead bugs exercise​ 7. The Modified BeetleShutterstock

Why trainers love it: Teaches core stability and coordination, great for beginners and advanced lifters alike.

How to do it: Lie on your back, arms extended toward the ceiling, knees bent at 90 degrees. Lower your opposite arm and leg toward the floor without arching your back. Return to start and repeat on the other side.

Trainer Tip: Press your lower back into the floor the entire time.

Ab Wheel Rollouts

Brunette cheerful young woman in sportswear at abdominal exercise, rollouts. Fit caucasian girl improving body endurance, Happy fitness model at workout, looks air camera toothy smiles.

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Why trainers love it: One of the most challenging and effective moves for building total core strength and control.

How to do it: Start on your knees with hands gripping the ab wheel. Slowly roll forward, keeping your core tight, until your torso is almost parallel to the floor. Roll back to the starting position.

Trainer Tip: Don’t let your back arch—core tightness is crucial, even if you have to shorten the movement. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Happy smiling young woman looking at camera while doing abs exercise lying on sports mat. Positive fitness trainer showing how to do bicycle crunches for regular workout at home
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Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Are you trying to flatten your tummy before swimsuit season? You can do it – even without any crunches or situps. Body Network spoke with Risa Sheppard, Master Pilates trainer, creator of The Sheppard Method, and asked her for her top ab exercises to tone your midsection. Here are 7 she recommends.

Centering

The girl's feet stand in front of an unfolded Yoga mat on the wooden floor. Yoga practice classes, asana exercises

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Stand with legs slightly apart. Keep all ten toes evenly on the floor. Feel as if you have magnets between your legs, gravitating together. Place your right hand on your stomach about an inch below your belly button and your left hand on your back about an inch above your tailbone. Feel in between these two areas as if there is a laser beam connecting from your abdominals to your lower back. In the middle of your body is what Joe Pilates called THE CENTER. That is where all movement starts and ends.

RELATED:5 Movement Hacks to Shed Pounds From a Sports Medicine Specialist

Lift Ups

Young attractive sporty woman practicing yoga, lying in navasana exercise, boat pose, working out, wearing black sportswear, cool urban style, full length, grey studio background, side view

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Lie on the floor with your knees bent and heels parallel to your hips. Place your hand on your thighs and lift your head and chest. Lift your hands until they reach the top of your knees, then lower back to your shoulder blades.Repeat 5 to 8 times.

The Hundred

Hispanic young woman training pilates at home during quarantine. workout in a living room doing the 100 exercise.​Lift UpsShutterstock

Place your knees in a table top position with knees directly above your hips. Start with arms above your head, use your "center" to lift your head and chest. Slowly do little pumps with the hands as if you're pulsing in a pool of water. Breathe in for 5 counts, exhale for 5 counts. Keep pumping your arms as if you are in water.-- do this up to 10 counts of 5 inhales and 5 exhales

Bicycle Core

Young sporty woman practicing, doing crisscross exercise, bicycle crunches pose, working out, wearing sportswear, black pants and top, indoor full length, white sport studio​Combine Core MovementsShutterstock

Raise your knees to a 90 degree angle alternate extending your legs as if peddling a bike. Rotate your torso to touch your elbow to the opposite side. Keep your center always engaged.

RELATED:The #1 Exercise Every Trainer Recommends for Staying Fit After 50

The Plank

Working,Her,Core,Muscles,To,The,Max,With,Some,Planks.​1. Planks: Your Core's Best FriendShutterstock

The plank is a popular and efficient way to strengthen the core. A plank involves balancing on toes and forearms as you hold the rest of your body off the ground. Spine is kept in a neutral position meaning the back should be straight from the top of your head to your tailbone. Make sure your hips are not dropping to the floor or hiked up toward the ceiling. Keep your elbows slightly bent. Hold for as long as comfortable, 8 to 10 counts. Repeat 3 times.

Plank with Leg Lift

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Assume the position as described above. This time slowly and with control, lift your right leg up without moving your hips . Repeat the other side 3 to 5 times.

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Leg Raises

Fit muscular man lies on back on yoga mat in living room, performing abdominal exercises with legs raised. His black cat sleeps on sofa. Home workout.Shutterstock

Lie flat on your back with your legs with your arms at your side and palms pressed into the floor. Keep your legs together and and feet in a soft point. Pressing the back to the floor, slowly raise both legs together as you pull your navel to the floor. Only lift as high as you keep the core engaged and don't arch the back off the floor. Exhale as you lift legs up, inhale as you extend legs out. Repeat 5 to 8 times. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.