If you can pinch more than an inch on your sides, this is a pretty good indicator that you have love handles. The best workouts to get rid of this frustrating side fat involve lateral and rotational exercises. Although your entire stomach gets worked every time you do an ab exercise, there are certain ones that focus on your obliques, or the muscles on your sides, more than others. These can be done with added resistance and body weight.
Aerobic Training
Any time you want to burn fat, you need to do aerobic training. Fast-paced walking, biking, swimming, jumping rope, inline-skating and running are all acceptable forms of aerobic, or cardio, training. Aim for 45 to 60 minutes and work out at least four days a week.
Side Crunch with Leg Lift
Side crunches with leg lifts work your obliques and hips simultaneously. Lie on your left side with your right hand on the side of your head, left knee bent and right leg straight. In a steady motion, lift your upper body laterally while raising your right leg. As you do this, move your elbow toward your knee and squeeze your obliques. Slowly lower and repeat. After doing 15 to 20 reps, switch sides.
Russian Twists
Russian twists work your obliques with the aid of a stability ball. Lie face-up on the ball with your shoulders and head in contact, knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart on the floor. After lifting your hips to form a straight line from your shoulders to your heels, extend your arms in front of your chest and clasp your hands. Keeping your lower body still, rotate your upper body back and forth to your right and left side in a steady motion for 15 to 20 repetitions. To prevent the ball from moving, have a training partner place their hands on it.
Decline Oblique Crunches
Decline oblique crunches are performed on a decline bench. Lie face-up on the bench with your lower shins hooked under the padded support and hands on the sides of your head. Steadily lift your shoulders off the bench, twist your torso to your right and aim your left elbow toward your left knee. After squeezing your obliques for a second, lower and repeat to your other side. Alternate back and forth for 15 to 20 repetitions.
Spiderman Push-ups
Spiderman push-ups target your obliques, chest and shoulders with one motion. Lie on your stomach with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and toes hip-width apart behind you. In a steady motion, push yourself up, lift your hips to straighten your back and fully extend your arms. Slowly lower your chest to the floor as you simultaneously lift your left foot and move your left knee to your elbow. After holding briefly, push back up, place your foot down and do another push-up, bringing your right knee to your right elbow. Perform a total of 15 to 20 push-ups.
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