Excessive belly fat around the waistline or the love handles work against the body while performing the daily routine. Not only do they hinder movement and decrease the overall flexibility of the body but also pose a health hazard.
Say no to Love Handles
Therefore, it is imperative the one activates the obliques with a targeted workout program. Moreover, performing these exercises goes a long way in reducing belly fat around the waistline to get in shape.
Nevertheless, always include warm-up exercises before toning the obloquies to improve blood circulation and flex the target muscle group. Furthermore, it is imperative that one switches to a healthy diet that has loads of lean protein, which is quintessential for muscle building while also accelerating weight loss.
Let us look closer at the six exercises that you could perform to lose belly fat and get rid of love handles.
#1 Bicycle Crunch
Instructions:
Step 1: Lie on the floor in a supine position with your feet placed close together. Place your hands on the back of your head without interlocking your fingers.
Step 2: Gradually bring the left knee towards the torso while simultaneously moving your neck and head towards the chest region. Ensure that the right elbow touches the left knee in this position.
Step 3: Hold the contraction for a second and return to the initial position. Repeat the same motion on the other side to complete one rep.
Perform the exercise for the recommended number of times.
Important tip: People with lower back problems must exercise caution while performing this exercise.
#2 Side Plank
Instructions:
Step 1: Lie on the floor on your side with feet placed on top of each other.
Step 2: Raise the lower arm such that the forearm is parallel to the floor. The body must rest on the forearm and the legs.
Step 3: Hold the position for 30 seconds and return to the initial position. Perform the same motion on the other side for a well-balanced activation of the obliques.
Repeat the exercise for the recommended number of times.
Important tips: Perform the side plank while wearing a weighted vest for an increased challenge. Do not let your body sag towards the floor while performing this exercise.
#3 Russian Twist
Instructions:
Step 1: Sit on the floor with your feet placed close together. Slightly bend your knees such that the legs form an arch with the floor. Place your arms in front of the chest either in a fully extended position or in a slightly bent position.
Step 2: Slowly twist your torso to the right and swing your arms in the same direction.
Step 3: Pause for a second and return to the initial position. Repeat the same motion on the other side to complete one rep.
Perform the exercise for the recommended number of repetitions.
Important tip: Perform the Russian twist while holding a weight plate or a dumbbell to burn calories at a faster pace.
#4 Woodchoppers
Instructions:
Step 1: Stand straight with your feet placed shoulder-width apart, and secure a dumbbell in both the hands and place it in front of your hips.
Step 2: Twist your torso to the left and raise the dumbbell until it is in line with the shoulders.
Step 3: Pause for a second and swing the dumbbell to the lower-right. Keep in mind to slightly squat while performing this motion for maximum efficiency.
Step 4: Hold for a moment and return to the starting position. Repeat the same motion on the other side to complete one step.
Perform the exercise for the recommended number of times.
Important tip: Beginners must exercise caution while selecting an appropriate weight as an improper form while performing the woodchoppers could lead to a serious rotator cuff injury.
#5 Mountain Climbers
Instructions:
Step 1: Lie on the floor in a plank position and quickly transition yourself into a plank position. Fully extend your arms such that the entire body is resting on the palms and the toes.
Step 2: Explosively bring the right knee towards the chest while keeping a stationary torso. Ensure that the arms are straight throughout the duration of the exercise.
Step 3: Hold the contraction for a moment and return to the starting position. Perform the same motion using the other leg to complete one rep.
Repeat the exercise for the recommended number of times.
Important tip: Perform the mountain climbers with a twist instead of the regular version of the exercise for added resistance and improved customisability.
#6 Kettlebell Side Swing
Instructions:
Step 1: Stand straight with your feet placed slightly wider than the distance between the shoulders. Secure the kettlebell with both the hands and position it in front of the hips.
Step 2: Gradually swing your arms to the left while maintaining a straight torso such that the kettlebell and the arms form an acute angle with the upper body.
Step 3: Pause for a second and return to the starting position. Repeat the same motion on the other side to complete one rep.
Perform the exercise for the recommended number of times.
Important tip: Ensure that your arms are fully extended throughout the duration of the exercise.
