There's nothing more hated than "love" handles! Why do they call it that anyways? I can't think of one person who loves their "love" handles.Love handles are considered a tough area to target on the human body when it comes to body fat. Oftentimes, it seems like no matter how much weight you lose, the fat around your middle, particularly that which covers your oblique muscles are here to stay.The love handles, usually a pair of flabby grab-able handles is an accumulation of excess fat next to the lower stomach on the sides of the abdominals.Once the excess fat fills the lower front abdominal region to capacity, it starts spilling over to the waist and "love handles" form.For those battling with their love handles, WomanWise has recommended some waist trimming cardio exercises that's effective to bringing you closer to a love- handle- less, attractive middle and a sexier waistline.
1 Side Plank
The side plank is a variation of the regular plank exercises; only this targets the obliques and love handles. Basically, you lie on your side and then raise yourself up with your hand on the floor or your entire forearm.Make sure to maintain a straight line with your body at all times. Then, breathe normally and hold this position for as long as you can. It will help you tone those love handles. Of course, don't forget to switch sides.
2 Knee To Elbow crunch
The knee to elbow crunch is another abs exercise, which also works the love handles.You begin this exercise by lying on the floor and placing your hands on both sides of your head. Your legs should be straight and on the floor. The movement is simple: you rotate your upper body upwards and to one side, and bend the opposite leg so that your right elbow draws closer to your left knee. You return to the starting position and change sides. Make sure to keep your back firmly on the floor to avoid back pain.
3 Sideways Crunch
The side crunch is similar to the elbow to knee crunch only this time your feet remain firmly on the floor. You begin this exercise like you would a regular sit-up but instead of raising your body straight, you raise it and twist it slightly to one side to work the obliques. Then, you return to the starting position and work the other side. Maintain a straight neck throughout this exercise to avoid straining it.
4 Plank Exercise with Knee Bend
Begin in push-up position on the floor, and fully extend your arms to lift your body off the floor. Contract your abs. Slowly pull your left knee forward to your chest, keeping your toes pointed. Do not arch your back when you move your leg during this waist workout; keep it straight and strong. To effectively work the waist, slowly with control return to beginning position and repeat with opposite leg. Continue alternating legs. Each alternating side equals one rep.
5 Twisting Knee Lift
A. Stand with feet hip-width apart and hold arms up in front of chest in a boxing stance. Using obliques to drive the movement, twist upper body to right, then to left. Keep hips and legs forward.
B. As you rotate to right for third twist, raise right knee. Lower right leg and twist left-right-left, raising left knee on third twist. Continue alternating knee lifts until you've done 12 reps on each leg.
6 Twisting Rollback
Sit tall with legs bent, feet flat on floor. Extend arms in front. Round spine and roll back one vertebra at a time onto tailbone as you twist torso to left, pulling left arm back.Return to centre and roll back up. Repeat on other side. Continue alternating sides until you've done 24 reps.
