Lose the Love Handles Workout

Let's target the stubborn love handle area today, what do you say? I want to challenge you to complete the "Lose the Love Handles Workout" with 4 effective exercises that will help tone, slim and strengthen your waistline. These 4 killer exercises include modifications so anyone can do them, no matter what level of fitness you're currently at!

Keep in mind, speed is NOT the game here. I believe in "quality not quantity". I’d rather you focus on your form and doing things correctly rather than on a number of reps to speed through. Everyone will be different, depending how strong their core (abs, lower back, and glutes) is. That’s why I gave you a recommended time frame rather than just a number of set repetitions. Go at your own pace and gradually work your way up to performing more as you get stronger.

Below is a written detailed description on how to do each exercise, as well as a short video demonstration showing you exactly what to do and how to modify if needed.

Check In Below! Type in the Comments section to let me know you completed the workout! How did you do?

V-sit Twist & Tap (Hold a stability ball, dumbbell, or just use body weight)

• Sit on the floor with your knees bent and lean back slightly, forming a “v-shape” from your torso to bent knees, keeping the abs tight.
• It is really important to keep your back straight, don’t let it round.
• Place your arms straight out in front of you with your hands one on top of the other.
• With abs engaged, twist slowly to the left as you exhale. Inhale through the center and rotate by twisting to the right. This completes 1 rep.
• Focus on rotating the entire upper body, not just the arms swinging side to side.
• Perform for 30 to 60 seconds or do 16-20 reps (8-10 each side), depending on activity level.
• Variations: To advance, hold a stability ball, dumbbell, or medicine ball in your hands to add more resistance. You can also lift your feet 3-4 inches off the floor and balance as you perform. If you have a low back injury or issue, this exercise is not recommended for you.

Thread the Needle

• Start by laying on your right side. Place your elbow directly below your shoulder.
• Stack your feet one on top of the other and your weight on your right elbow with your fingers reaching away from your body. For more stability, you can put your top leg slightly in front of the other. From shoulders to hips to feet you should now be in a straight line.
• Engage your abs and inhale to start.
• Exhale as you lift your pelvis from the floor and lift the left arm straight up toward ceiling.
• Rotate your left ribcage toward the floor as you reach the left arm between the mat and your body.
• Return to side plank and repeat.
• Depending on activity level, perform for 30 to 60 seconds or do 6-15 reps. Then switch sides and repeat.
• Variations: To advance, rather than on the elbow try it on your hand. To modify, you can either go to your knees & twist or do not perform the twist -- just hold the side plank.

Bicycle Crunch

• Lie on the floor and lift your knees to about a 45-degree angle with lower back pressed to the ground. Place your hands lightly behind your head, elbows pointed outward.
• Lift your shoulder blades off the ground but do not pull on the neck.
• Inhale as you extend the left leg straight out at a 45-degree angle while turning your upper body to the right, bringing the left elbow towards the right knee.
• Exhale and switch legs, now doing the same motion on the other side to complete 1 rep.
• Continue alternating opposite elbow to knee as you twist back and forth.
• Perform for 30 to 60 seconds or do 16-20 reps, depending on activity level.
• Tip: Your motions should be smooth, slow and controlled. Focus on really extending the leg out straight and that you’re moving your rib cage and not just your elbows.