Welcome to the October walking challenge! This month, we've designed a workout plan that focuses on walking, strength training and stretching. Start TODAY is a community of over 115,000 members across the country who are all committed to getting healthy — together! We're so glad you're here. 

Q: How can I tone my abs and slim my waistline?

A: While I love targeting the waist with core exercises that can tighten and tone the midsection, it’s important to know that it’s not possible to spot-reduce or slim down just one area of the body.

Slimming your waist isn’t just about toning the muscles in that area — it also requires losing fat. And just performing ab exercises isn’t enough when it comes to losing fat around the waist. However, by making healthy lifestyle choices like eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, as well as reducing stress and getting good quality sleep, you can prevent weight gain and fat storage around the midsection. 

First, start with walking — which you're already doing! Then, focus on specific exercises that will help tone the midsection. It’s about increasing your caloric expenditure to slim the entire body — including the waist — plus strength training to tone the core and create that fit, hourglass figure.

Missed a workout? Catch up on everything here.