Love handles, muffin top, that stubborn layer of fat around your waist is the most difficult to get rid of. You need a two-step approach, first, a program to get rid of body fat over your entire body, and second, a program of targeted oblique and abdominal training to help tone your midsection.
Muffin top, those love handles on each side of your waist just above the top of your jeans is a layer of fat covering your obliques, the muscles on your sides that help you twist and turn at the waist. The best approach to tone these muscles includes core exercises, abdominal exercises and specific twisting movements that specifically involve the obliques like these:
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1. Standing Elbow Crossovers
Also known as Standing Opposite Elbow-To-Knee Crunch. Standing crossovers work your back, abs, and especially your obliques. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, with your hands behind head, and your elbows wide to sides. Lift your left knee, twist and lower your right elbow to meet your left knee. Return to start and lift your right knee and twist as you touch your left elbow to that right knee. Do 20 reps alternating left, right, left.
2. The Scorpion
Another twisting exercise that works your hips, lower back, abs, and obliques Lie face down on a mat with your legs extended and arms out, palms down. Swing your right foot back over your body, bending the knee and touching your toes near your left hand. Do at least 10 reps on each side.
3. Windshield Wipers
Lie faceup on your back with your legs straight and extended above you, over your hips. Stabilize your body with your arms extended at your shoulders, keep your abs engaged. While keeping your legs together, slowly lower your legs all the way left then back to center and all the way right. Excellent oblique exercise. Repeat, lowering your legs left, right, for 12-15 repetitions.
4. Side-Lying Obliques Crunch
Lie on your right side with your left leg on top of your right. Extend your right arm beside your ear. Now contract your abs and lift your right arm and both legs from the floor, supporting yourself only with your left arm. Pause and hold for one count before you lower your legs back to the start for 12-15 repetitions on each side.
5. Twisting Side Planks
Twisting side planks are good for your spine and tones your obliques. Start in the side elbow plank position on your right side, with your left foot on top of your right. Place your left arm behind your head and twist downward until your left elbow touches your right hand. Repeat for 12-15 repetitions and switch sides and do another 12-15 reps.
Learn More:
- 5 Best Exercises To Get Rid Of Love Handles For Women
- The Best Workouts To Reduce Your Love Handles Or Side Fat
