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If you yearn for a flat stomach, you have to know that you are not alone. The stomach is the body part most commonly loathed by people, especially women. As women get older they naturally pack on a few pounds on their mid section due in large part to hormones. The good news is that with a little hard work you can keep your belly flat as long as you are doing the right moves, literally. Dancing is not only a great form of self expression, but it is a great form of exercise that engages your core muscles, making it the ideal stomach-flattening exercise. Here are three dance inspired moves to try at home:

1. Twist & shimmy.  Stand tall with feet a few inches apart and your knees bent slightly. Start by raising your arms out to your sides and contracting your abs. Rotate your left hip forward and your right hip back, while keeping your rib cage still.  Next rotate your right hip forward and your left hip back. Continue rotating forward and back like a washing machine for 60 seconds. It may not sound that hard but if you keep your abs engaged properly it is a very good toning exercise.

2. Roll ups Lie on your back with your legs straight out in front of your and your arms resting overhead. Inhale and raise your arms directly over chest. Next, tuck your chin down and curl your head, shoulders, and back off floor one vertebra at a time. Reach your arms forward as you come to a sitting position. Hold the position for about ten seconds and then slowly release your body back down to the starting position, keeping your spine straight. Do at least 10 reps.

3. Hip circles. Start by standing with your feet a few inches apart and your hands by your hips. Keep your abdominal section tight and your rib cage still. Slide your hips to the left, back, right and then front so that you are making a circle. Think about the motion of a hula hoop. Continue this for about 30 seconds, making sure to contract your abs tight the whole time. Repeat but going the other way.
 
Whether doing these dance inspired moves or actually dancing, you will find that your core will be tightened, toned and will lose fat all over.