When most people are contemplating exercises for love handles, they think of workouts for oblique muscles such as crunches, side bends, planks, and so on. However, I am putting it to you that these are not the best exercises to lose love handles. These are good for toning your obliques, however that doesn’t do much good if you have a layer of fat over your oblique muscles. So what are the real exercises for love handles?
As a personal trainer, I suggest compound exercises that work multiple muscles to eliminate love handles. These are typically exercises like bench press, the squat, dips, push-ups, and jump rope. The reason why I really like these exercises is that they burn a significant amount of calories in a short amount of time. Therefore, not only are you burning more calories, and consequently more belly fat, but you can also leave the gym in the shortest time.
I actually carry this a step further. I’ll actually work 4 exercises collectively in a circuit using little rest between exercises. This makes your workout a cardiovascular workout also, helping to make these exercises even more effective at getting rid of your love handles. As an example, take the exercises in this post and do them one by one, only taking just as much rest as you need in between. Your workout will burn twice the calories in one half the time.
And so, I will provide you with some of my best exercises for love handles. The very first is the bench press. The bench press can either be performed using a barbell or a couple of dumbbells while you’re lying on a bench. For general reference, just about anything that can be carried out with a barbell can be done with two dumbbells. The bench press primary concentration is on the chest muscles, but it also works the triceps and shoulder muscles. You need to hold the barbell in a wide grip position or 1 dumbbell in each hand and push it up and down until you can feel your pectorals stretched. Try to get 8-12 reps. If you’re able to do 15 repetitions, the weights are too light and when you can do only six, they are too heavy. 2-3 sets are the ideal start for newbies. The push-up is a superb alternative in case you are working out at your house.
Next up will be the squat. The squat is definitely an amazing calorie burner as it works larger muscle groups such as thighs and butt, and even back. This workout is usually performed using a barbell on the upper back and shoulder blades supported with the arms, lower your body by simply bending your knees no lower than ninety degrees, then raise it to the starting posture and do it again. Be sure to do squats in a slow and controlled movement. Also, it’s important to keep your back straight continually, which can usually be accomplished by holding your head up. About 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions and you’ll be sweating as if you are performing cardio.
For a great exercise that tones your whole torso, check out dips. You only need two parallel bars to execute dips, however, you might want to start with the assisted dip machine you have seen at most gyms. This machine will have a pad that you kneel on while doing dips which can help push your legs up. To perform the dip, just lower your body and bend your elbows no less than 90 degrees, then lift up your body to your starting position. About 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps ought to be perfect if you are just starting out. Use the assisted dip machine if needed.
A tremendous calorie burner, and therefore an excellent exercise for love handles is definitely the jump rope. It is something which is now a staple in my workouts and allows me to remain lean all year. It requires just a little practice to get good, but it will quickly become a favorite. I go for about one to two minutes on the jump rope in my circuit. Give it a shot and you should realize why this is a love handle exercise.
These are just some examples of exercises to lose love handles. These exercises work several groups of muscles and burn a lot of calories. Add them in to your existing routine and watch your love handles go away very quickly.
All content is provided for information purposes only. This isn’t intended to treat or manage illness. Be sure to seek advice from your doctor prior to engaging in any diet or fitness changes and/or routines.