When you have love handles and a paunchy stomach, you have more to worry about than looking good for your forthcoming vacation to the beach. According to Michael Jensen, M.D., an endocrinology specialist at the Mayo Clinic, "people who gain belly fat are at greater risk of serious health problems than are people who accumulate fat in other areas." By reducing this fat, you will not only get in better shape, but you will also lower your disease risk. To do this, you need to burn calories while targeting your stomach and love handle area with exercises.
Cardio
Walking, running, elliptical training, swimming, indoor cycling, rowing and kickboxing all have something in common: they are types of cardio exercise and they can burn fat from your midsection. Perform any one these exercises for 30 to 45 minutes at least three times a week to trim your love handles and stomach. If you get bored with one type of cardio, switch to another form.
Flutter Kicks
Flutter kicks help tone your lower stomach and obliques, which are found on your sides. Flutter kicks are performed from a face-up position on the floor. After placing your hands under your butt, raise your legs 6 inches off the floor. In a scissor motion, raise and lower your legs from the starting point to about 2 to 3 feet higher. Complete 15 to 20 reps.
Pulse-Ups
Pulse-ups are also known as hip thrusts, and they target your lower stomach. Lying face-up on the ground with your arms at your sides, lift your legs to form a 90-degree angle with your body. In a steady motion, lift your hips from the floor, push your legs in the air and hold for a second. When you push your legs up, angle them back slightly. Lower your hips and repeat 15 to 20 times.
Hanging Oblique Knee Raises
Hanging oblique knee raises are done with a pull-up bar and help tone your entire stomach, including the love handle area. To start, reach up and grab the bar with an overhand, shoulder-width grip. While keeping your upper body still, raise your knees up toward your right shoulder and squeeze forcefully. Slowly lower your legs and repeat, this time going toward your left shoulder. Keep going until you've done 15 to 20 reps on each side.
Standing Russian Twist
Standing Russian twists are performed with a medicine ball and help tone your stomach and obliques. After placing your feet shoulder-width apart, hold the ball firmly and extend your arms straight in front of your chest. While keeping your arms and back straight, rotate to your right side as far as possible and pivot your left foot. Hold for a second, return to the center point, then rotate to your left. Continue to go back and forth for 15 to 20 reps.
Double Crunches
Double crunches work your upper and lower abs simultaneously. To perform them, lie on your back with your legs fully extended and your hands on the sides of your head. In a steady motion, lift your shoulders and legs off the floor and bring your elbows toward your knees. Squeeze your abs forcefully, reverse the movement and repeat 15 to 20 times. When you lower yourself down, do not let your shoulders or heels touch the floor. This will keep resistance on your stomach muscles.
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