If you thought Shakira’s hips don’t lie, have a look at her abs—living proof that some secrets are just too good not to be shared! At 45, the global superstar shows off a toned figure that would make even thirty-somethings a little envious. But you don’t have to be a pop icon or dance your way across the stage to unlock her secret for sculpted abs. The real trick? A meticulously designed workout routine dreamed up by her dedicated coach, Anna Kaiser.
The Method Behind the Magic: Training the Whole Core
Everyone’s chasing the elusive flat belly, but Shakira relies on something more sophisticated than endless sit-ups. After over ten years working together, Anna Kaiser has fine-tuned an exercise session that goes way beyond your basic plank. The guideline is simple: don’t just target those superficial abs—engage the entire core. After all, as sports physiotherapists are eager to remind us, your body works as a complete unit, not as a random assembly of disconnected parts. Sorry, six-pack isolators—time to play as a team!
No Fancy Equipment? No Problem!
One of the best parts of Shakira’s routine is its simplicity. You’ll need minimal gear:
- One Pilates ball
- A gym mat
- A set of light dumbbells (ranging from 500g to 2kg)
- A set of medium dumbbells (4 to 5kg)
You don’t need to transform your living room into a fitness studio. Seriously, this session could easily happen in your lounge—bonus if you’ve got a soundtrack worthy of a Colombian diva.
Shakira’s Signature Core Workout: Move by Move
So how does each session unfold? Here’s the six-step sequence that keeps Shakira stage-ready:
- Lateral standing crunches holding dumbbells: This opener gently but deeply works your obliques, with sets of 20 reps per side. Done right, you’ll feel it where it counts—no need for mercy from your mirror.
- Standing combo: arms extended and knee lift: Still upright, this movement blends strength and coordination. Picture yourself almost dancing, but with more muscle and (probably) less glamour.
- Lateral mat exercise with Pilates ball: Next, drop to the mat and wedge that Pilates ball between your thighs. Perfect for activating both abs and inner thighs. Multitasking, gym-style.
- Twisting crunch: This move calls for torso rotations, simultaneously strengthening the abdominal wall and boosting your torso’s mobility.
- Towel stability challenge: Sitting down, grab a towel at both ends, lean your back backwards, and lift your arms overhead. It may sound simple, but your stability is about to be put to the test.
- V-position crunch with Pilates ball: Finish lying down, place the ball under your shoulder blades, spread your legs into a V, and focus on controlled exhalations to sculpt your upper abs. It’s like artistic gym, just with a little more breathing and a little less ribbon.
Kaiser recommends running through all six exercises on both sides, three to four times a week. And don’t even think about instant transformations—progress comes from consistency, not chasing record-breaking reps. Even the World Health Organization chimes in: regular, moderate physical activity throughout the week is crucial to staying healthy and preventing muscle loss as we age. Take it from the experts and Shakira’s wardrobe.
More Than Just Abs: The Lasting Benefits
Shakira proves you can hold onto defined abs well past your 40s—provided you stick to a smart routine, use just a few pieces of equipment, and above all, stay consistent. Rather than feel that twinge of jealousy when you see her roll her hips across the stage, why not take a cue from her game plan and carve out a few minutes each week for strengthening? The payoff is more than just a flat stomach. These exercises deliver greater tone, confidence, and everyday energy. Who wouldn’t want that recipe for a healthier, longer-lasting athletic life—Shakira style?
Ready to give it a try? The star’s secret is really no secret at all—it’s about treating your body as a whole and making those reps count, one carefully-considered (and possibly dance-inspired) movement at a time.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
