Love Handles are not lovely and definitely not cute.
What are Love Handles?
You see that side part of the waist which hangs out of the jeans and tops… Yes, those are love handles. They are also called as muffin tops.
Love handles are caused by the excess fat deposition on the sides of the hips and abdominal area which are very difficult to get rid off. These are caused by junk foods, poor eating habits, and less physical activities. The calories you intake get accumulated at certain spots in the body like hips leading to love handles.
You may think that losing belly fat or bodyweight will reduce love handles, but that is not the case. As they are a specific group of abdominal muscles, there are very specific exercises that you need to do every day for at least 10 mins to blast off these love handles.
7 Simple and Best Exercise for Love Handle
Here are 7 easy exercises which work amazingly for the love handles.
1. Bicycle Crunch
The bicycle crunch is a very effective exercise for love handles. Doing it continuously for 3-4 weeks will help you get rid of the side fats. They are also very effective for belly fats.
How to do:
- Lie down on your back with your hands behind your head without clasping.
- Lift your legs off the ground and raise your head and shoulders.
- Bend your knees to bring the shin parallel to the ground.
- Twist your body slowly to bend your right knee inwards and move the left elbow towards the knee. At the same time stretch out your left leg straight.
- Perform the same with the other leg.
- Do 15-30 repetitions for each leg.
2. Woodchoppers
The action involved in this exercise is similar to that of chopping wood, hence the name Woodchoppers. You’ll need a dumbbell to perform this exercise.
How to do:
- Stand straight with feet hip-width apart from each other.
- Hold onto a dumbbell with both hands.
- Start by holding the dumbbell to the outside of your left thigh.
- Now twist your boy and move the weight diagonally to reach above your right shoulder.
- Bring back the weight to the starting position near your left thigh.
- Do at least 20 reps and repeat the exercise for the other side.
3. Mountain Climber
This cardio exercises increases your body strength and provides various health benefits like improving blood circulation, heart health, flexibility, and burning calories. Mountain climbers with a twist will help you get rid of the handles.
How to do:
- The starting position is similar to plank with a slight difference in the position of your hands. Here only palms of your hand will touch the ground.
- Now lift your left foot and bring it inwards toward the right elbow.
- Return to the original position and now lift the right foot inward towards the left elbow.
- Remember to keep your abs tight.
- Slowly increase your speed.
4. Side Planks
One exercise that helps you tone your entire body is planks. Side planks are specifically meant to reduce your obliques and love handles. It is difficult to perform but does wonders to the side fats and over time you will get the hang of this exercise.
How to do:
- Lie sideways on the ground. Now lift your body keeping the elbow and the feet on the ground.
- Your forearm should lay straight on the ground and your legs should be stacked on each other. If you are a beginner you can let your knees touch the ground. Keep your other arm on your hips.
- Remain in this position for 30-60 seconds.
- Repeat it for another side.
- For an intermediate level try doing dips in this position.
5. One Hand Toe Touch
This is one of the easiest exercises for love handles. One hand toe touch easily burns off the extra fats near the waist.
How to do:
- Sit with your legs stretched out in front. Now fold left leg inside till the sole of the foot touches the inner thighs of the right leg.
- Raise your right hand up and slowly bend it till it touched the toe of the right foot.
- Hold the position for 5-10 seconds.
- Repeat it for the left leg.
- Do at least 10-15 reps for each leg.
6. Russian Twists
Another great exercise for love handles and obliques is Russian twist. This twisting exercise can be done with or without the weight. IF you are just a beginner it is suggested to start without weights.
How to do:
- Sit on the floor with your butt properly and comfortably touching the floor.
- Bend your knees to lay the foot flat on the ground and position your torso back at a 45-degree angle from the floor.
- Now hold the weights with both hands (if you are not using weight, clasp your hands together) and lift your feet a little above the ground to balance your entire body on your butt.
- Twist your torso and bring the dumbbell to the left side of the ground near your body.
- Repeat the same for the right side.
- Do this for 30-60 seconds.
7. Sidekicks
Here is another easy exercise for love handles. Sidekick is an excellent cardio exercise, it tones your hip muscles and strengthens your limbs.
How to do:
- Stand straight with feet pointed in front and width apart.
- Lift the left leg on the side. Try to go as high as you can.
- Come back to the starting position and repeat it again for 20-25 times.
- Do the same for the right leg.
How To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Apart from the exercises, you will need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and proper diet. Here are a few tips:
- Foods that are high in calories, sugar, and fats should be avoided.
- Keep your body active and do more of physical work.
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Avoid junk and processed food.
- Exercise at least 5 hours a week.
- Sleep properly and keep yourself hydrated.
- More aerobic exercises.
Follow all the tips and exercises and you will blast off the love handles very soon. If you found this ‘Exercise for love handles’ article helpful, do share it with your friends and family. Sharing is caring.
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