Love handles, or the excess fat that accumulates around the sides of your waist, can be challenging to get rid of. However, with the right exercises, you can target and tone this area effectively. Here are ten beginner exercises that focus on strengthening your obliques and core muscles, helping you to melt those love handles over time.
Side Plank
The side plank is an excellent exercise for targeting the obliques. Start in a plank position on your side, supporting your bodyweight on one forearm and the side of your foot. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels, engaging your core muscles to maintain stability. Hold this position, then switch sides to work the other oblique.
Russian Twists
Russian twists are a powerful move for engaging the obliques and the entire core. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet lifted, holding a dumbbell or medicine ball with both hands. Rotate your torso from side to side, touching the weight to the floor on each side. This twisting motion helps to tone the side muscles of your abdomen.
Bicycle Crunches
Bicycle crunches are an effective exercise for targeting the obliques and the lower abs. Lie on your back with your hands behind your head. Alternate bringing your elbow towards the opposite knee while extending the other leg, mimicking a bicycle pedaling motion. This move engages your entire core, focusing on the sides of your waist.
Russian Twists with Leg Raise
Russian twists with a leg raise combine the twisting motion of Russian twists with the added challenge of lifting your legs off the ground. This variation intensifies the workout by engaging your lower abs along with your obliques. Perform the twisting motion while keeping your legs elevated, which helps to tone and strengthen your core muscles.
Standing Side Crunches
Standing side crunches are a great way to target the obliques while standing. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place one hand behind your head. Crunch to one side, bringing your elbow towards your hip while lifting the same side leg off the ground. Repeat on the other side to work the opposite oblique. This exercise helps to tone the sides of your waist and improve balance.
Oblique Crunches
Oblique crunches specifically target the side muscles of your abdomen. Lie on your side with your knees bent and legs stacked. Place one hand behind your head and the other on the floor for support. Lift your upper body towards your hip, focusing on squeezing your obliques. This exercise helps to tighten and tone the side areas of your waist.
Woodchoppers
Woodchoppers are a dynamic exercise that targets the obliques and the entire core. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell or medicine ball with both hands. Rotate your torso diagonally, bringing the weight from one shoulder to the opposite hip in a chopping motion. This exercise mimics the motion of chopping wood, working your core muscles effectively.
Mountain Climbers
Mountain climbers are a full-body exercise that engages your core, including the obliques. Start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Alternate bringing your knees towards your chest in a running motion, keeping your core engaged and hips level. This fast-paced exercise helps to burn fat and strengthen the muscles around your waist.
Flutter Kicks
Flutter kicks are a great exercise for targeting the lower abs and the obliques. Lie on your back with your hands under your glutes for support. Lift your legs off the ground and alternate kicking them up and down in a fluttering motion. Keep your core engaged throughout the movement to maximize the benefits.
Side Bends
Side bends are a simple but effective exercise for working the obliques. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell or kettlebell in one hand. Slowly lean to the side, bending at the waist, then return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. This exercise helps to tone the sides of your waist and improve core strength.
