An hourglass shape is a body type where the hips and bust are wide relative to the size of the waist. This body type has recently regained popularity and is known as the sort of quintessential symbol of a woman, and a staggering portion of the population, both male and female, prefers the hourglass figure to any other body shape. Women who naturally have these types of figures will find that when they gain weight, it happens first in the hips and bust. If you aren’t a natural hourglass shape but want to be, the exercises in this workout can help.

The moves in this routine are hourglass exercises, in a sense, that can comprehensively get the body to look more voluptuous in the hips and chest, and tinier in the waistline (keep reading for a text version of a similar workout).

To get a lean and curvy shape, it takes a total body workout. A healthy diet and routines like ones in the workout video above, built specifically for building shapely lean muscle, is among your best options for making the waist look smaller and getting a more curvy silhouette. Remember that in order to be able to see the benefit, you’re going to have to maintain a healthy body weight (for health reasons, as well).

While genes largely determine basic body shape, there are hourglass exercises that can change body structure to help it look curvier. The routine below uses exercises that target body parts that can make you look curvier, and it tones at the same time (which can also make for higher muscle content and a faster metabolism). Do this workout for a few weeks and you'll feel more energetic, and likely start to notice curves start to appear.

Printable Workout

To get a smaller waist and increase the look of curves:

1 Minute Jumping Oblique Twist

15 Pilates Side Planks with Leg Raises

15 Windshield Wipers

1 Minute Lateral Jumps


To strengthen muscles of the chest and help it fight gravity:

15 Wide Push Ups

15 Plank Extensions

1 Minute Mountain Climbers


To get a booty that gives you a curvy profile and an hourglass figure:

15 Alternating Lunges

1 Minute High Knees

15 Sumo Squats

15 Cross Over Lunges

Remember to always do equal repetitions on each side of the body.

Fitness Blender's Pilates Butt & Thigh Video can also do a lot for attaining the shapely glutes that often accompany an a curvy silhouette.

Do this Hourglass Figure Workout 2-3 times through, 2-3 times a week. If you do these hourglass exercises regularly, you will definitely see a change for the better in your figure, no matter your natural shape!