What is an excellent strategy is combining your ab workouts with a heavy dose of strength and muscle-building workouts.
I’ve gathered 10 of my go-to exercises for those looking to define their midsection.
Each movement demands significant core engagement for movement and stability.
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Keep reading for the best exercises to melt love handles at the gym.
The suitcase deadlift targets multiple muscle groups, building lower-body strength while enhancing core stability.
Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and a kettlebell beside one foot.
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Drive through your heels to stand up straight, keeping the kettlebell close to your body.
Pause briefly at the top, then lower the kettlebell with control.
Repeat for the desired reps on each side, focusing on core engagement and proper form.
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Complete three sets of eight to 15 reps per side with 60 seconds of rest between sets.
Start in a plank position with your hands under your shoulders, gripping dumbbells.
Alternate sides, maintaining stability and squeezing your core.
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check that to use non-rounded dumbbells for a stable surface.
Complete three sets of 12 to 15 reps per side with 60 seconds of rest between sets.
Sandbag Zercher Squats
The sandbag is versatile for sculpting your midsection while enhancing lower-body strength and power.
The Zercher holdespecially with sandbagsintensely engages the core, demanding exceptional strength and stability.
This potent combination effectively targets love handles while providing a challenging leg workout.
Lower until thighs are parallel to the ground, then push through heels to return to the starting position.
Maintain control throughout and repeat for desired repetitions.
Perform three sets of 10 to 15 reps with 90 seconds of rest between sets.
This demands strong engagement from your upper back and abs, leading to a more stable and upright posture.
Lower the dumbbells under control to the starting position.
Complete three sets of eight to 15 reps with 90 seconds of rest between sets.
This unique approach introduces a heightened level of instability, activating your core and upper body muscles more.
Alternate lifting feet with each repetition, focusing on core engagement and maintaining stability throughout.
Perform three sets of eight to 15 reps in total with 60 to 90 seconds of rest between sets.
This variation adds extra movement to each repetition, ramping up the intensity and demanding more effort for execution.
Slam the ball down to the outside of that side foot, bending slightly at the knees.
Repeat for the desired sets and reps or duration of time.
For power, perform three to five sets of five slams per side.
Rest for 60 seconds between sets.
Unlike exercises that mainly target the front of your abs, this one shifts the focus to the sides.
Amp up the difficulty by incorporating tempos and pauses, pushing your limits, and optimizing your gains.
Focus on maintaining a straight line throughout each rep.
Perform two to three sets of 10 to 15 reps per side, ensuring a controlled five-second descent.
If the dumbbell starts on your right hip, step your left foot forward, and vice versa.
Focus on engaging the core, exhale during the lift, and inhale during the return.
Keep a slight squat position, and maintain proper form to avoid injury.
Complete three sets of 15 to 20 reps per side with 60 seconds of rest between sets.
Bicycle Crunches
Bicycle crunches offer an intense and dynamic ab workout, effectively sculpting your midsection.
Perform three rounds of 30 to 45 seconds with 60 seconds of rest between sets.
This constant tension on the core muscles helps sculpt and define the midsection while improving overall core strength.
Stand next to a cable machine, and take hold of the handles with both hands.
Activate the muscles in your core.
Press the handles in front of your body.
Hold this position for a moment before slowly releasing.
Complete three sets of 10 to 15 presses per side with 60 seconds of rest between sets.
