What Is Best Exercise To Get Rid Of Love Handles?

The muffin top hanging over your waistline is making your jeans uncomfortable, so you start doing side crunches every night before bed in hopes of a tighter waist. Targeting one area of the midsection is not enough to get rid of love handles. An effective abdominal workout consists of exercises that simulate each muscle in the midsection, or core, of the body. Planks are an exercise that works the abs, obliques and lower back to strengthen the core and tone the stomach. Incorporate plank variations into your exercise routine to help trim inches off of your waistline.

Stability Ball Planks

Stability ball planks develop the abdominal muscles while activating the obliques and lower back for balance. Begin on your knees with your elbows positioned on top of the stability ball. Press up onto the balls of your feet so your elbows and feet are supporting your body weight. Tighten your abs to keep your body stabilized. Hold your body in this position for 30 seconds. Repeat the plank hold for three 30-second sets.

Side Planks

Performing side planks targets the obliques while engaging the abdominals and lower back. Lie on your right side with both legs extended and feet together. Support your upper body with your right elbow and place your left hand on the left hip. Slowly lift your right hip off of the ground until your spine is in a straight line from head to toe. Maintain a static hold for 30 seconds. Lower your hips to the ground to rest in between sets. Repeat for three sets of 30 seconds on each side.

Alternating Planks

Alternating planks work all of the core muscles and recruit the arms and legs to help stabilize the body. Begin in a military pushup position. Slowly extend your right arm while elevating your left foot about six inches off of the ground. Hold this position for three counts and return to the starting position. Switch sides and lift the right foot and left arm simultaneously. Continue alternating sides for 60 seconds. Repeat for three 60-second sets.

Stability Ball Plank Twists

Stability ball plank twists stimulate the core while focusing on the obliques. Start on the floor on your hands and knees. Place the stability ball underneath your hips and walk your hands forward until your thighs are on top of the ball. Bend our knees to 90 degrees and slowly twist your knees to the right side of your body until your right thigh is parallel to the ground. Return to the starting position. Keep your upper body stationary throughout the movement. Repeat the motion on the opposite side. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions on each side.