Love handles are a term for that extra layer of fat on the sides of your abdomen at the hips. Losing fat with cardio and diet are keys to getting rid of these stubborn fat pockets. However, there are some effective exercises to help tighten and tone those love handles.
Side Crunch
You must work the oblique muscles---the muscles on the side of your tummy---to firm up love handles. This crunch is simple and works all of these areas. Lie flat on your back, place hands behind the head, knees bent, and plant feet on the floor. Lift your right shoulder 5 inches off the ground, twist toward your left knee and lie back down. Do this 15-20 times, rest for 30 seconds and repeat same exercise on the opposite side.
Twist Crunch
This exercise engages abdominal and oblique muscles. Lie on your back, place hands behind your head and bend your knees. Twist toward the right bringing your right elbow to your left knee, straighten left knee and twist your left elbow to your right knee. Repeat exercise 30 times.
Trunk Twists
This exercise is performed standing. Place feet about 18 inches apart and keep knees relaxed. Keep feet firmly planted, hips and knees stable, twist torso to the left and cross right arm in front of your body in a slow, steady punching motion. Repeat torso twist to the right. Do this 50 times.
Cardio Exercise
Lose those love handles by incorporating aerobic exercise into your program. Jogging, brisk walking and step aerobics are activities that rev up metabolism and burn fat off the abdomen. According to the Mayo Clinic, an-all around fitness program that works core muscles will keep you in shape and burn off unwanted fat. Remember, you don't have to join a gym or buy special equipment. All of these exercises can be done in the comfort of your home.
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