Let’s face it – love handles can be stubborn and challenging to get rid of, as they sit on the sides of the abdominal area. Many people mistakenly believe that traditional ab workouts alone will eliminate them, but the truth is, you need a targeted approach.
To effectively tackle love handles, you need a combination of precise exercises, clean eating, and cardio. In this article, we’ll share a powerful 15-minute workout that targets the obliques and core, along with key tips for healthy eating and cardio, to help you kick those love handles to the curb.
50 RUSSIAN TWISTS
To begin the exercise, start by sitting on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lean your torso back at a 45-degree angle to the floor.
Hold a dumbbell with both hands, then lift your feet off the ground and cross them at the ankles, balancing on your buttocks.
From this position, twist your torso to the right and lower the dumbbell to the ground next to your body. Then, twist back to the left and touch the weight to the left side of your body.
Repeat this twisting motion back and forth, all while maintaining balance with your legs and torso raised off the ground.
30 SIDE PLANK HIP LIFTS
Start by assuming a side plank position, with your elbow on the ground and your legs and hips resting on the floor. Engage your abdominal muscles and keep your body in a straight line as you lift the lower half of your body off the ground, transitioning into a straight plank position.
Lower your body back down and repeat this movement. Aim to do 15 repetitions on your right side, and then 15 repetitions on your left side. Remember to keep your abs engaged and maintain proper form throughout the exercise.
30 BICYCLE CRUNCHES
To start, lie on your back with your knees bent and your hands positioned behind your head without clasping them together. Engage your abs and lift your shoulders and upper back off the ground.
Simultaneously, move your right elbow towards your left knee, aiming to meet them in the middle of your body. Then, switch positions by bringing your left elbow to your right knee.
Continue this alternating movement as quickly as possible while keeping your torso raised off the ground, maintaining the engagement of your abs throughout the exercise.
40 WOODCHOPPERS
Perform 20 repetitions on each side using a single hand weight. Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart, with your weight on your left leg.
Hold the weight in both hands, positioning it by your left shoulder. Initiate a twisting motion, chopping the weight down towards your right hip. Allow your feet and knees to pivot with the twist, and then raise the weight back up to your left shoulder.
Repeat this movement for 20 repetitions, and then switch to your right side to complete the exercise. Make sure to maintain proper form and engage your core throughout the exercise for maximum effectiveness.
FOOT TO FOOT CRUNCH
Complete three sets of ten repetitions each, making sure to focus on your breathing and tightening your core during each repetition. It’s important to concentrate on your form and not strain your neck muscles while performing the exercise.
Extend your hands at a comfortable pace, without any sudden jerks or movements. If you experience any discomfort or pain, particularly in your lower back, it’s best to stop the exercise immediately to avoid any further injury.
