Shakira’s hips don’t lie, and neither do her abs. The “Try Everything” singer is known for injecting both Latin and Middle Eastern flavors into her on-stage performances. Many a music video has featured Shakira honoring her Lebanese heritage through belly dancing, and to do that, one has to have a very good core.
The Grammy award winner has been working with her trainer, Anna Kaiser, for more than a decade, and it is she who is responsible for keeping Shakira’s body in tip-top shape. According to Anna, the exercises they do together train every muscle in your core.
Dumbbell Side-Bend
Stand with your feet hip-width apart while holding lightweight dumbbells at your sides. Bend sideways to the right, lengthening through your spine. Try keeping your neck as neutral as possible by looking forward, not down. Pull the left ribs down by engaging the obliques on the same side and then return to standing upright. That counts as one rep; do an equal number on both sides.
Knee-High March with a Twist
Begin by standing with your right foot extended behind you. Your hands should be together, reaching up and to the left at about a 45° angle from your face. Keep your core tight, with your weight on your left foot. Pull your right knee up and toward your chest as you bring your hands down and twist your upper body to the right. Re-extend your hands up and out while you tap your right foot behind you. Do an equal number of reps on each side.
Bicycle Crunch
Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground. Lock your fingers together and place them behind your head. Bring your knees in toward your chest, and lift your shoulder blades off the ground. Straighten your right leg out, keeping it above the ground, and turn your upper body to the left, bringing your right elbow toward the left knee. Make sure your rib cage is moving as well as your elbows. Switch sides and perform the same motion. Together that equals one rep.
