The name may sound endearing but in reality, there is nothing really endearing about sporting love handles. Here are some simple exercises to lose those love handles.
1. Side plank hip lifts
Lie down on your side with elbow on the ground and legs and hips resting on the ground. Lie down in a straight line. With focus and work on your abs, raise your lower torso off the ground in a straight plank position. Hold for a few seconds and lower back to original position. Repeat this on both sides. Begin with 10 counts and gradually increase up to 20 counts for better results.
2. The block, stoop and rotate exercise
Take a block of wood or similar object in your left hand. Keep your feet apart and turn your body to the right. Bend and place the block on the floor between your feet. Put your right hand up while inhaling and turn your body to the right. Make sure your hips are straight. Look straight up at your right hand as you rotate your spine while taking a deep breath. Repeat on the other side. Gradually increase counts.
3. The dancing twist
This is an easy and fun way to melt those love handles. Play your favorite song. Stand with your feet together. Keep your arms bent at the elbows in front of your chest. Take a step to the left and twist your waist also to the left. Bring the other foot backwards and untwist torso back to the center. Repeat on the other side and continue stepping and twisting for some rhythmic movements. Repeat movements for the entire song.
4. Russian Twists
Sit with knees bent and both feet placed flat on the ground. Pull your torso back to 45 degree angle. Get comfortable and contract your abdominal muscles. Stretch arms in front of you and twist your body from one side to another. If you want to feel higher intensity, lift feet off the floor while doing the exercise. Repeat and increase counts gradually.
5. Twists with dumbbell
Lay on your back on an exercise ball. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Raise a dumbbell using both hands stretched towards the ceiling. Keep your arms straight and twist from side to side. Your arms should be parallel to the floor. Make sure your arms are not bent at the elbows when you twist.
6. Side sizzler
Stand with feet slightly apart. Slightly twist your body to the right. Stretch arms straight towards the ceiling. Bring them down in a smooth yet swift position bent at the elbow and hold them like you’d do when you take a boxing stance. Twist to your left slightly while lifting the leg and twisting it upwards. Keep the standing leg slightly bent at the knee. Repeat on both sides.
7. Windshield wipers
Does the name sound funny? But that’s what your body is going to mimic. Lie down on your back and bend your knees at 90 degree angle over hips. Extend arms to either side of your body with palms placed down. Squeeze in your abdomen tight and press both legs together as you twist your lower body to either side. Do a count of 20. To turn up the heat, extend your legs straight and do the same.
A well toned waistline is a definite show off. Perform these exercises to sport a beautiful waistline that is the subject of envy of women.