Is it worth it to work out your love handles?
Yes, workouts that work on love handles are worth it. But they need to be part of a healthy plan that also includes dieting and other ways to lose fat. People who have love handles have extra fat around their waist that is hard to get rid of. A specific set of workouts can help tone and build up the oblique muscles that are under the side fat.
But focused ab and love handle exercises work best when done along with a low-calorie diet and regular movement to burn fat all over the body. Remember that “consistency is the key.”
Here are some exercises that will help you get rid of your love handles. Let’s try them out and see how they work.
Here are 7 Exercises to Lose Love Handles.
- Side planks
- V-Ups
- Kettlebell swing
- Russian twists
- Mountain climbers
- Plank with hip dips
- Deadlift
Here’s how to do these specific exercises for love handles to get rid of that fat that won’t go away.
1. Side Planks
Side planks work the muscles on your side, which strengthens the muscles that run along your waist, where love handles usually appear. To do a side plank, lay down on your side. Lift your upper body off of your arm, which should be right below your shoulder.
Put your legs on top of each other. Now get your hips off the ground. From head to toe, keep your body straight. Hold this pose for 20 to 30 seconds and count. Do it again on the other side after you get down. Do this three times on each side.
2. V-Ups
When you do V-ups, your core muscles work hard, especially your side, lower, and upper abs. To do a V-up, place your mat on the ground. Keep your legs straight and lift your arms up over your head.
Lift both your upper body and your legs at the same time. In a V shape, try to reach your hands to your feet. Keep your stomach muscles tight by focusing on them. Go back to where you started. Do three sets of ten to twelve times each.
3. Kettlebell Swing
The best way to work out your love handles is to do a kettlebell swing. Moving a barbell back and forth with both hands works the muscles in your abs, front thighs, and buttocks. It’s a strong move that also helps you burn calories. To do a kettlebell swing, stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and both hands on a kettlebell.
Keep your back straight and bend forward at the hip joint. Then, swing the kettlebell between your legs. As you quickly thrust forward, swing the kettlebell from between your legs to the front of your chest (shoulder height). Remember to keep your arms and back straight. Swing it again back and forth, up and down. You can do it three times, each 10–12 times.
4. Russian Twists
Russian twists are a great way to work out your love handles. The oblique muscles in your stomach get a lot of work when you do Russian spins. To do a Russian twist, place your mat on the floor and sit down. Get on your knees, put your feet flat on the floor, and bend back a little. Hold a gym ball or weights out in front of you.
As you bring the ball or weights to your right side, turn your upper body around. Turn the weight or ball around and move it to the left. Pay attention to your abs and keep them working. Do three sets of 12 to 15 turns.
5. Mountain Climbers
Because they work your core, obliques, shoulders, and arms, mountain climbers may be the best way to get rid of love handles. It is a type of high-intensity exercise that helps the body burn fat all over. To do mountain climbers, put down the yoga mat and do a high plank. Remember that your hands are above your shoulders.
Bring your legs up to your chest. Quickly switch legs and straighten one leg while bringing the other knee to your chest. Climb for 20 to 25 seconds each time for three sets. As an added bonus, if you already work out and want to add to your results, look into good ways to get rid of love handles.
6. Plank with Hip Dips
Why not do more planks to get rid of love handles? A plank with hip dips works your whole core and makes your waist smaller. To do a plank with hip dips, start by getting into a normal plank pose. Slowly move your hips to one side, and then bring them back to the middle. After that, dip your hips the other way. Do this eight to ten times for three sets.
7. Deadlift
The deadlift is another great way to lose love handles because it works your lower back, thighs, and hips. To do a deadlift, place your feet about hip-width apart. Make sure you have a hammer or dumbbells in front of you.
As you bring the weights down to the floor, keep your back straight and bend forward at the hips. To get back up, drive through your feet. Stretch your legs and hips. Do this 8–10 times for 3 sets.