Love handles, those stubborn pockets of fat that sit on the sides of the abdominal area, can be quite a nuisance. They don’t exactly fit into your skinny jeans, and getting rid of them can be quite a challenge. Contrary to popular belief, a typical ab workout won’t do the trick. Love handles are located on top of the obliques, a specific group of abdominal muscles that require targeted exercises.
To effectively eliminate love handles, it’s important to target them accurately. While you can tone your obliques to some extent, losing fat requires a combination of cardio exercises and a healthy diet. Without reducing excess fat through proper nutrition, your toned abs will remain hidden.
So, what’s the best strategy for getting rid of love handles?
Step 1: Eat lean and clean. Focus on a healthy diet.
Step 2: Incorporate a 30-minute cardio session every other day. If you’re up for a challenge, increase it to 6 days a week. Research from Duke University shows that walking for about 30 minutes, 6 days a week, can significantly reduce abdominal fat over an 8-month period.
Step 3: Try the following 10-minute love handle workout. This routine targets the obliques while engaging the rest of your core, giving your love handles a run for their money.
A 10-MINUTE LOVE HANDLE WORKOUT
To complete this workout, repeat the following circuit 3 times. Move quickly from one exercise to the next, and aim to do this routine 3 times a week.
50 RUSSIAN TWISTS
Start by sitting on your butt with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Lean your torso back at a 45-degree angle to the floor. Hold a dumbbell with both hands and lift your feet off the ground, crossing them at the ankles while balancing on your butt. From this position, twist your torso to the right and touch 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 motion, balancing with your legs and torso raised off the ground.
30 SIDE PLANK HIP LIFTS
Assume a side plank position with your elbow on the ground and your legs and hips resting on the ground. Engage your abs and keep your body in a straight line. Raise the lower half of your body off the ground into a straight plank position. Lower back down and repeat. Do 15 on your right side, then 15 on your left side.
30 BICYCLE CRUNCHES
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your hands behind your head. Engage your abs and lift your shoulders and upper back off the ground. Simultaneously, move your right elbow toward your left knee, bringing them to the middle of your body. Switch positions by bringing your left elbow to your right knee. Continue this motion as quickly as possible while keeping your torso raised off the ground.
40 WOODCHOPPERS
Using one hand weight, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your weight on your left leg. Hold the weight in both hands up by your left shoulder. Twist your torso to make a chopping motion down towards your right hip. Allow your feet and knees to pivot with the twist. Raise the weight back up to your left shoulder and repeat for 20 reps. Then, switch to your right side and perform the same motion.
FOOT TO FOOT CRUNCH
Complete 3 sets of 10 repetitions each. Breathe in and out with each rep, focusing on tightening your core rather than your neck. Pay attention to your form for each lift. Extend your hands comfortably and stop the exercise if you experience any pain, especially in your lower back.