Exercises To Lose Fat & Work The Obliques

The obliques are the largest muscle group of the abdominals and can be worked during core training exercises. To work the obliques, you do not need to purchase expensive abdominal exercise equipment. Many floor exercises can help target the obliques for trimming and toning the area. Along with exercise to get rid of fat, you'll need to follow a calorie-controlled diet.

Oblique Twists

This exercise move to get rid of love handles by working the obliques was featured in "Fitness" magazine. For the starting position, place your hands flat against the mat, about shoulder-width apart. Lift your body up onto your toes as if you are about to do pushups. Breathe out and twist the body to point both knees to the right of your body. As you inhale, pull them back towards the center. Repeat the move to the left. Do a total of 10 reps for each side.

Weighted Incline Twist

If you have a bench available, you can do this exercise while holding a weight place against your chest. To start, lie on an inclined bench with your knees bent and your feet hooked under the bench's padding. Contract the abs and twist the core towards your left knee. Move back onto the bench and then twist the body to face your right knee. Repeat for a total of 12 reps on each side.

Bicycle Manuever

A 2001 American Council on Exercise commissioned study performed at the University of Wisconsin found the bicycle maneuver to be one of the best exercises for working the muscles in both the rectus abdominus and the obliques. To begin, lie flat on your back with your knees in the air at a 45-degree angle. Put your hands behind your head and begin to pump your knees as if you are riding a bicycle. Lift up your shoulders to bring your right elbow to meet your left knee and then your left elbow to meet your right knee. Perform two sets of 12 to 15 reps.

Considerations

You need to incorporate cardio exercise into your routine as well to lose weight anywhere in the body, including your love handles. Spend most days of the week participating in 45-minute sessions of cardio exercise. Calorie-burning exercises to incorporate into your workout include jogging, running, cycling, step aerobics and kickboxing.