Love handles are among the most stubborn areas of the body to strip away.
When it comes to fat loss, a well-rounded routine is a must.
Always be sure to combine your workout efforts with a healthy diet and lifestyle for the best results.
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Keep reading to learn more about my five favorite workouts for love handles.
This routine focuses on core exercises with an emphasis on the oblique areas where love handles accumulate.
Perform each exercise for 12 repetitions with 30 seconds of rest between sets.
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For the side planks, hold each side for 30 seconds.
To perform a Russian twist, sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat.
Lean back slightly, keeping your spine straight.
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Hold your hands together in front of you.
Rotate your torso to one side, then the other, touching the ground beside you.
Repeat for the target repetitions.
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To perform a plank dip, begin in a forearm plank position.
Rotate your hips to one side, allowing them to dip slightly toward the ground.
Return to the center, and then rotate to the opposite side.
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Ensure your core remains engaged throughout.
Repeat for the target repetitions.
Ensure your hips stay elevated and your body remains in alignment.
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Hold this position, engaging your obliques throughout.
Repeat for the target time.
To perform a lunge, stand upright with your feet hip-width apart.
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Step forward with one foot, lowering into a lunge position.
Rotate your back foot inward slightly as you lower your back knee for optimal biomechanics.
Push through the full foot of the front leg to return to the starting position.
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Repeat for the target repetitions, then switch legs.
This exercise works the glutes, hamstrings, and core.
Visualize drawing your lower rib toward your pelvis and engaging your abs.
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Lift your hips off the ground by pressing through the full foot.
Squeeze your glutes at the top, and hold for about one second.
Lower and repeat for the target repetitions.
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Step-ups
Step-ups emphasize the leg muscles, but they also require a strong core for balance and stability.
To perform a step-up, stand in front of a bench or platform.
Place one foot on the bench.
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Push through the full foot to lift your body onto the bench.
Lower back down with control.
Repeat for the target repetitions, then switch legs.
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Aim for 12 to 15 repetitions on each set for a total of three sets.
Rest for 30 to 60 seconds between sets.
Bicycle Crunches
Bicycle crunches offer an excellent way to target both the obliques and the rectus abdominis simultaneously.
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This exercise works the obliques, rectus abdominis, and hip flexors.
Bring one knee toward your chest while rotating the opposite elbow toward that knee.
Switch sides, extending the bent leg while bringing the opposite knee toward the chest.
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Ensure your shoulder blades lift off the ground during the rotation.
Repeat for the target repetitions.
Leg Raises
Leg raises are excellent for targeting the lower portion of the rectus abdominis and enhancing core stability.
This exercise works the rectus abdominis and hip flexors.
To perform leg raises, lie flat on your back with your arms by your sides.
Engage your core, and lift both legs off the ground to a 90-degree angle.
Slowly lower them back down without letting them touch the ground.
Ensure your lower back remains pressed into the ground throughout.
Repeat for the target repetitions.
Ensure you’re lifting from your obliques and not pulling from your neck.
Control the descent back to the starting position.
Repeat for the target repetitions, then switch sides.
Repeat for three to five total rounds.
To perform mountain climbers, begin in a pushup plank position.
Drive one knee toward your chest.
Quickly switch legs, driving the other knee forward.
Maintain a strong core, and avoid bouncing your hips.
Repeat for 30 seconds.
Jumping Jacks
Jumping jacks offer a full-body workout, raising the heart rate and engaging the core for stability.
To perform jumping jacks, start with your feet together and your arms at your sides.
Jump your feet out while raising your arms overhead.
Jump your feet back to the starting position while lowering your arms.
Maintain a brisk pace, and keep your core engaged.
Repeat for 30 seconds.
Burpees
Burpees are a high-intensity exercise that engages multiple muscle groups, including the core.
To perform a burpee, begin in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Drop into a squat position, and place your hands on the ground in front of you.
Kick your feet back, landing in a pushup plank position.
Jump your feet back toward your hands, returning to the squat position.
Explode up into a jump, extending your arms overhead.
Land softly, and immediately go into the next repetition.
Repeat for 30 seconds.
Perform each exercise for 10 repetitions, two to three sets, resting 60 seconds between sets.
Engage your core, and lift one leg off the ground, keeping it straight.
Lower the leg without letting it touch the ground, and then lift again.
Ensure your hips stay level, and avoid rotating them.
Repeat for the target repetitions, then switch legs.
Single-Leg Deadlifts
Single-leg deadlifts challenge your balance and stability while also targeting the hamstrings and glutes.
To perform a single-leg deadlift, stand with your feet together, holding a dumbbell in one hand.
Hinge at the hips while lifting the leg on the same side behind you.
Keep your back straight and your core engaged.
Return to the starting position, pushing through the full foot of the standing leg.
Repeat for the target repetitions, then switch sides.
To perform side plank leg lifts, begin in a side plank position on your forearm.
Keep your hips elevated, and ensure your body remains in alignment.
Engage your obliques throughout the movement.
Repeat for the target repetitions, then switch sides.
