Exercises To Do To Get Rid Of Love Handles After Pregnancy

Having a baby can result in excess weight gain in your midsection --- body fat commonly nicknamed muffin top, love handles and spare tire. You must lose fat throughout your body with diet and physical activity, and adding exercises to your abdominal workout routine that target the external and internal obliques can help tighten the muscles in the area. Get approval from your doctor before starting any new workout or diet program after pregnancy.

Side Planks

Side planks stimulate all of the core muscles while targeting the external and internal obliques, the Bodybuilding website explains. Lie on your left side with your legs extended straight and feet together. Support your upper body with your left elbow. Lift your hips --- but not your left knee --- off of the ground and hold this position for 30 seconds. Keep your abs tight and spine in a straight line. Lower your hips to the ground, returning to the starting position. Repeat for four 30-second sets on each side.

Oblique Crunches

Oblique crunches engage the abs while recruiting the oblique muscles. Lie on your back with your right knee crossed over your left. Place your hands behind your head to support your neck. Squeeze your abs and lift your upper body while twisting your left shoulder up toward your right knee. Slowly lower your upper body down to the starting position. Repeat the motion for four sets of 25 repetitions on each side.

Side Bends

Side bends work the external and internal obliques. Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Place your right hand behind your head and position your left arm by your side. Hold a dumbbell in your left hand. Keep your abs tight and squeeze your left elbow toward your left side. Slowly lift your upper body, returning to the starting position. Repeat for four sets of 25 repetitions on each side.

Russian Twists

Russian twists work the abs, obliques and lower back. Begin seated with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Extend your arms straight in front of your chest with your hands clasped; you may need to hook your feet under a weight bench or other heavy, sturdy object to brace yourself; Bodybuilding also suggests you do this exercise on a decline bench for a greater challenge. Lower your upper body back to a 45-degree angle. Twist your arms to your left side and hold this position for one second. Slowly twist to the right and pause for one second. Continue alternating sides for four sets of 25 repetitions on each side.