Stomach Exercises: Get Rid Of Love Handles

I am sure you are aware that most people complain about belly fat when they want to be fit. To be more specific, most people have problems with 'love handles'. They are those extra fats that get stored on the sides of the lower torso. If this sounds all too familiar to you then simply performing sit-ups and crunches will not be enough. The reason for this is that these exercises concentrate on the abdominal muscles and not the outer oblique muscles. Now there is good news for you, for there are some excellent exercises that are targeted towards the obliques. These exercises can help you reduce the size of your waist. It is important that you talk to a professional before you take up any exercises. Always remember to warm up properly before exercising.

Side Bend

You can get rid of the love handles by doing a very easy exercise and it is called 'side bends'. You need to stand straight and bend your knees a little. Make sure that you feet are apart (shoulder width). Then you should lower your entire torso to one side and then to another side. You should not lean forward or backward. You should lean only side to side.

Torso Twist

You can carry out this exercise after you have performed the side bends. It can reduce 'love handles' effectively and you can perform this exercise while standing. Here also your feet should be shoulder width apart. Now twist your body to one side and then again to another side. Remember that you should not twist from your hips but from your torso. Your oblique muscles should be doing the work of twisting and not the hip flexors. Do not bend, maintain a straight torso.

Side Crunch

Now this exercise should be performed while you are lying down on the floor. If the floor is hard then you can use a cushion or a mat. You should lie on the floor on one side. Let us assume that you are lying on your right side. Keep your right arm across your waist in such a way that the right hand is resting on your left side. Now touch your ear with the left hand in such a way that the elbow is facing upward. Now lift your left leg (about a foot) and at the same time you should lift the shoulders off the ground.

Seated Knee Drop

You need to sit on the floor in such a way that you are sitting on the hipbones and not your butt. Place your hands behind you in order to maintain a stable position. Now bend you knees. Your feet should be flat on the ground. You should now lower your knees to the right side, your feet should also move towards that direction. Your ankles should be together. Maintain this position for a second and then turn to another side of your body. Use the muscles on your stomach to raise your leg.