Getting rid of love handles, extra fat on the sides of of the abdomen, is a daunting task.While the only way to burn fat is through cardiovascular exercise, there are some exercises you can do to isolate this area. The muscles running under the love handle area are called the external and internal obliques. Exercising these muscle groups, in combination with cardiovascular exercise, can help define the waist area reducing the appearance of love handles.
Twisting Crunch
Start lying on your back with knees bent and feet firmly on the floor. Hands should be behind the head with elbows wide. Resist the urge to pull on your head during this exercise. Imagine there is a string tied between your left knee and right shoulder. Leading with the shoulder, not the elbow, cross your right shoulder toward your left knee, as if the string were gently pulling it. Do three sets of eight repetitions on each side.
Side Crunch
Rolling onto your left side, slightly bend your knees. Place your left arm flat on the ground and gently rest your head on it. Place your right hand behind your head with your elbow pointing straight up. Keeping your left arm gently resting on the ground, lift your right elbow while lifting your right knee. Crunch them together. Make sure your face and chest point forward in order to isolate your obliques. Perform three sets of eight repetitions. To increase the difficulty of this exercise, keep your leg straight, crunching your elbow towards the straight leg.
Side Plank
While lying on your left side, place your left hand palm down on the ground. Stretch your legs out to the side and stack your legs on top of each other. Push up on your left hand lifting your body off the ground. Keep your right arm pointing straight up. Hold this position for up to one minute. To make this exercise easier, unstack your legs crossing the right over the left so both feet are in contact with the ground.
Side Bends
In a standing position, place both hands alongside your thighs. Keeping the torso facing forward, slide one hand down your leg, bending at the waist. Reach your hand as close to your knee as possible, then repeat on the other side. Alternate sides back and forth in a steady motion. It is important to keep your core muscles strong during this exercise. Pull your belly button in and back toward your spine to protect your back. Perform three sets of eight repetitions. One repetition equals a side bend to each side.
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