Love handles can be some of the toughest parts of the body to lose even when working out religiously. Losing belly fat is a challenge for many people which is further compounded by stubborn love handles that refuse to budge even when you yell at them!
What Are “Love Handles”?
Despite the name, these are definitely not lovable. These are actually the fat deposits on the sides of the lower torso around the external obliques.
Why Are They A Bother and Hard To Get Rid Of?
Because traditional ways to lose belly fat just will not work. This means that traditional crunches or sit-ups will not work to lose these “love handles” because these exercises do not work the obliques (side stomach muscles). They only work the lower, upper and mid stomach muscles and not those on the side.
Do not fret about your hard to lose “love handles”, because there are exercises that will target this area. Do consult your doctor about whether it is safe for you to begin the following exercises or any other exercise program. The best exercises to lose love handles include the following;
- Side Bend
These are excellent for losing stubborn love handles. To perform this exercise, the starting position is an upright position with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees slightly bent. Lower and raise your torso from starting with one side and moving to the next side after eight to ten reps on one side. Do one to three sets. Make sure that the movement is side to side and not forwards or backwards.
- Torso Twist
The torso twist is one of the best exercises to lose love handles in addition to working the rest of the stomach muscles. After the side bends, follow with this exercise. From the upright position, begin to slowly twist your body from side to side. Only twist your torso and not your hips. There should be no movement in your hips.
To make this exercise a little tougher, lower yourself into a plie squat and continue to twist your torso. Speed up the movement. Make sure that you contract your stomach throughout this exercise. Be sure to keep your torso upright without bending it. Proper posture throughout any of these exercises is key to prevent injury.
- Side Crunch
Crunches are some of the best and most effective stomach exercises but are not effective at reducing love handles unless it is a side crunch. Start by lying down on the floor or mat on your right side. Take you right arm across your waist and bring it to your left side.
Bring your left arm over your head until the fingertips on your left hand touch your right ear. Proceed by lifting your shoulders off the mat while raising your left leg off the floor about twelve inches. Keep your stomach muscles including your obliques contracted throughout. Hold this position for a count of eight and return to the starting position and switch sides. Do eight to ten repetitions on each side for one to three sets.
- Seated Knee Drop
Another of the best exercises to lose love handles is the seated knee drop.
While on the floor, rest your body on your hip bones and not sitting on your butt. You can steady yourself by placing your hands on the mat.
Slowly bend your knees until your feet are flat on the floor with your ankles together. Then slowly lower your knees to the right with your feet still touching the mat and your shoulders also remaining on the mat.
Continue lowering your knees until they are about six inches off the mat and hold for a second or two. Return to the starting position and then lower your knees on the opposite side.
These are some of the best exercises that will help you lose your love handles and shape a better mid section. Eight to ten repetitions are ideal. Start with one complete set and then slowly increase to about three sets as you get stronger.
To see better results and ensure an optimum balance between diet and exercise you can also take fat burners, for the ideal results you can create specific weight loss plans that include clean eating, regular exercise. This will ensure long lasting results that last and help you lose weight effectively.
