Quick Exercises to Get Rid of Love Handles

I hate love handles because people keep playing with them

Love handles refer to extra fat deposits that bulge out or hang from the sides of your abdomen. It also can refer to fat on the lower back area. There are no quick exercises that can target fat solely in this area. Getting rid of this fat will come from a combination of cardiovascular activity, strength training and diet.

Cardiovascular Exercises

To eliminate love handles, focus first on your diet and cardiovascular exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends healthy adults under age 65 receive 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity five days a week to lose weight. Their recommendation is to perform moderate to intense activity. Moderate to intense physical activity means working hard enough to elevate your heart rate and break a sweat while still being able to talk.

Side Crunches

Strength training exercises that target your side obliques and back may also help tone love handles. Side crunches are one exercise that works your side obliques. Lie on the floor on your side. Bend the knee closest to the floor and move your other leg behind you for balance and support. Place hands behind your head with elbows pointed out. Contract your side abs to raise your upper body off the floor. Lower and repeat for desired repetitions. Repeat on opposite side as well.

Side Planks

You may have seen others doing a regular plank before, but a side plank will focus on your love handle area. Begin by lying on the floor on your side. Place your elbow closest to the floor under your shoulder to elevate your upper body off the ground. Legs should be extended out straight. This is your starting position. To start the plank, lift your hips off the floor. The only spots left touching the floor should be your elbow, forearm and feet. Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds. Lower and repeat on opposite side.

Side Touches

Lie on your back with your knees bent at 45 degrees and feet flat on floor. Extend hands out to your sides a few inches off the floor. Raise your shoulders off the ground and reach your left hand forward while twisting your shoulders and contracting your side oblique simultaneously. Repeat the same motion on your right side. Continue alternating at any speed you feel comfortable doing. Remember to focus on contracting the side obliques.