Many women dream of an hourglass figure. It is natural to admire others who have a shape you love, but it helps to remember that most people who look that way have put in real, consistent work. Building a slimmer waistline usually comes down to a steady combination of exercise, a balanced diet and, if you choose, waist training. Blend these habits into your routine and you are more likely to feel happy with your progress over time.

So what does it actually take? If you were born with naturally hourglass proportions, count yourself lucky. If not, start by getting to know your body type. There are generally four common body types, and the right approach for you depends on which one you have. A woman with a pyramid shape will logically follow a different routine than someone with a more rectangular frame.

Below are seven of the most popular approaches people use to work toward a shape that is closer to an hourglass. None of them is a magic fix, but together they can help.

1. Choose Exercise That Suits Your Body Type

Matching your workout to your natural shape can make your efforts more effective. Here is a general guide:

• Hourglass – If you already have this shape, the goal is usually to stay firm and toned. Regular cardio (for example, around three sessions a week) can help support fat loss in the midsection when combined with a balanced diet, so your natural curves stand out.
• Rectangle – A more straight-up-and-down frame can often be redefined with regular cardio plus exercises that target the core, which may help create the look of a smaller waist over time.
• Pyramid – If your upper body is narrower than your lower body, balancing exercises that tone the torso and lower body can help create the illusion of an hourglass figure.
• Cone – Like the pyramid, this shape can be balanced by working both the upper and lower body. Cardio, Pilates and yoga are all good options to try.

2. Commit to a Workout Program

Regular physical activity is key to building or maintaining a slimmer figure. No exercise delivers results overnight, and bodies naturally change as we age, so consistency matters more than any quick fix.

If you are unsure where to start, a gym trainer or qualified fitness professional can help you choose a program suited to your goals and fitness level. The best program is one you genuinely enjoy, because that is what keeps you going for the long term.

Not everyone loves yoga, and not everyone enjoys Zumba, and that is fine. There is a workout style for every personality. You might begin with jogging and, as you explore, branch into sports, cross-fit, swimming or anything else that fits your lifestyle.

3. Strengthen Your Body

Strength training is for everyone. With the right approach, it can build noticeable physical capability. You have plenty of options for strengthening your core, and one of the simplest is the plank. It feels difficult at first, but it gets easier with practice. Weight machines at your gym can also help you tone and build muscle gradually and safely.

4. Cardio Exercises

Cardio can be genuinely enjoyable, and it often leaves you feeling more energetic. Jogging, sports and other higher-intensity workouts get your heart pumping and help you break a sweat. Regular cardio is good for your physical health and can also be a boost for your mood and mental wellbeing.

5. Try Different Kinds of Dancing

Almost everyone enjoys dancing, and the bonus is that many styles double as cardio. Pole dancing, Zumba, belly dancing and other dance forms are fun to try with friends, and they can support calorie burn while you enjoy yourself. Adding dance to your routine keeps things fresh, and when you are having fun you are far less likely to quit.

If you feel adventurous, you might try showgirl or burlesque-style dancing. These moves challenge and engage your abdominal muscles, which can help build core strength over time. Many people enjoy this style at home, and some embrace the vintage pinup look of the 1950s by dancing in a waist trainer or corset, just keep comfort and breathing in mind.

6. Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

An hourglass goal becomes more realistic when exercise is paired with a healthy diet. A plan built mostly around vegetables, fruit and fish is a solid foundation. You do not have to give up treats entirely, you can still enjoy the occasional cake or pastry in small portions, as long as it is not a daily habit.

Today, with easy access to processed and oversized portions, it is easy to overeat, and rates of obesity have been a growing public health concern. Returning to simpler, balanced meals can support both a healthier body and steadier energy levels.

7. Consider Waist Training

Waist training has a long history. Women in past centuries used corsets, and the modern equivalent is the waist trainer. When combined with exercise and a balanced diet, it can be part of an overall routine some people use to work toward their desired shape. A number of celebrities have spoken about trying it.

It is important to be realistic about what a waist trainer does. As soon as you put one on, it compresses your midsection and can make your waist appear a few inches smaller, but this slimming effect is temporary and lasts only while the garment is worn. A waist trainer does not melt fat or permanently reshape your body on its own. Any lasting changes come from consistent exercise and healthy eating, not the garment itself. Use it for comfortable periods, never so tight that it restricts breathing.

Putting It All Together

There you have it, seven approaches you can combine to work toward a beautiful, healthy body. Lasting change is hard to stick with, so the real secret is choosing habits you can keep up. The same applies to waist training, and 7 Steps to a Slimmer and Fabulous Waist can help you get started.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Before starting a new exercise program, changing your diet or using a waist trainer, please consult a qualified health professional, especially if you have any existing health conditions or concerns.