Exercises to Get Rid of Love Handles

Wearing a fitted shirt or a body hugging dress sure sounds appealing. But what if your body gives you enough reasons for not wearing it? Sad... isn't it ? Love handles are one winning reason for not being able to flaunt your body and the most desired clothes. In scientific terms, they are known as obliques. Basically, they are a result of layers of subcutaneous layers of fat accumulated around the stomach and lower stomach area, mostly known as love handles or even muffin tops. They look like a roll of skin drooling down your waist, and with gravity on the job, they sure are not a pleasant sight. Love handles appear on the muscle along the waistline at the rear of your body. They are common in both men and women. Getting rid of them requires some effort and different exercises. We often neglect this part of the body and focus only on the stomach. Whereas, love handles are stubborn and require more effort. Below are some ideas and exercises to get rid of love handles. Let's begin.

How to Get Rid of Love Handles

Your body is made up of what you feed it with. Diet is vital part of your physical appearance. Exercise plays a secondary part in shaping your body. We shall discuss both diet and exercises for love handles, and how to get rid of love handles.

Healthy Diet

Check your calorie intake. A normal calorie intake is 2000 calories, but an intake of about 1500-1800 calories is recommended if you want to get rid of the flaps around your waist. Also do not go below 1400 calories, you may ruin your health. Eat small meals throughout the day, that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Avoid sugar, carbohydrates, excess salts and saturated fats. Limit smoking and alcohol intake. Have lots of water. It's the universal solution. Opt for a diet consisting of raw food, it will help in faster metabolism. You can also consult a dietitian for a proper food guide.

Love Handles Workout and Exercise

Burning the body fat is the best way to get rid of love handles. With regular exercises and workouts for love handles, shedding that extra bulge for a sculpted body will soon turn to realism.

• Trunk Twist: For this workout stand with your knees apart, just about your shoulder width. Bend your knees slightly. Hold your hands in the front, as if pushing something. Now twist your body from left to right. Repeat the desired number of times.
• Lying Twist: it is also known as lying leg twist. Lie on your back and stretch out your arms to your side, palms facing down. Raise your legs high, slightly bend in the knees. (legs should be almost 90° in the air, with knees bent slightly). Now lower your knees to the left side so that your left thigh touches the ground, bring back in center, now lower the knees to the right, until the right thigh touches the ground. Repeat the desired number of times.
• Lying Leg Raise: Simply sit on a bench, hold the sides for support, extend your legs out straight. Now pull your knees towards your chest. Hold for 2-3 seconds and release. It is a great technique to tone your abs and obliques.
• Twisted Crunch: Also known as oblique crunch, this workout is the best for reducing love handles. Lie on your back and bend your knees, your feet falling straight face down. Put your hands behind your head or cross them near your chest. Now turn your left shoulder blade off the floor and with your left elbow try to touch the right knee. You may extend your left leg out. Feel the crunch in your abdomen. Come back in position and now lift your right shoulder blade with your right elbow try to touch the left knee. Repeat this a few times till you desire.
• Leg Flutters: This will create a balance in your torso and reduce the fat in the back. Lie on your stomach. Lift up your head slightly. Keep your arms bent with your elbows resting beside or keep them straight stretched out at the sides. Now lift your knees a little above the floor, and flutter your legs. The direction should be back and forth. Continue for 15-20 seconds, take a break and continue some repetitions.
• Side Bend: This is one of the most effective and simple exercise to get rid of love handles. Stand with your knees apart (about shoulder width). Bend a little in your knees. You may place your hands on your waist. Now bend your upper body to the right side, then back to the center and then the left side. Remember to only bend side ways and not back or front directions.
• Cardiovascular Exercises: Cardiovascular workouts will not only help you lose fat fast but also increase metabolism even when you are asleep. These exercises include jogging, running, swimming, walking. You can also try some in the gym. Ask your trainer for certain exercises that will burn the love handles. A workout for 20-40 minutes everyday is recommended. Include the treadmill, rowing machines, stair climbers along with push ups, crunches and other regular exercises.
• Other Exercises with Weight and Equipment: Back Extension - Get on face down on an extension bench, lock ankles at the back in the foot brace. Now hold some weight in front and bend from the waist forward as far as possible. Now raise slowly till back in the starting position. You can do 3 sets of 12 reps each.

These were some exercises you can follow for a slender waist. There are other equipment that you can use too. Your fitness instructor can help you with them.

Other Exercises and Workouts

• Yoga: Yoga is a traditional form of exercise that will help you burn fats and give a good posture. It stretches and tones your complete body. Breathing techniques combined with yoga do wonders for overall health.
• Pilates: These exercises are excellent for those who want to get rid of love handles quickly. It helps you tone the abdominal muscles and burn fat.

Remember these are traditional forms of workout and it is advisable to get trained for these exercises whenever you want to start.

All the above ideas on exercises to get rid of love handles will be in vain if you lose focus, are low on patience and give up. There is nothing better than willpower. So stay positive and determined. Don't you want a slender and perfect waist to flaunt your best... come on, it's time to break up with those love handles around!