Will resistance exercises really work on my Love handles? The short answer to that is “Yes”…Done properly, resistance bands can be an extremely effective component when in comes to your workout routine. By targeting your abdominal muscles with exercises that provide two way resistance, (concentric and eccentric) you effectively are doubling the intensity. Do that regularly and you’ll notice an increase in overall core strength.

Most people don’t realize that there are a number of specific exercises that target your midsection. Each resistance band comes in a variety of intensities, with most being grouped by color.  Some examples are: green would be low resistance, yellow a step up to medium with red being more difficult, etc. Remember to choose a resistance level that is appropriate for you, then gradually move up as you become accustomed to each level. The cardinal sin that most newbies will make is to overdo things. Most people want to immediately grab the highest level band that they see. Resist that need to prove something because ultimately all this will lead to is injury.  Always consult with a professional before you begin any workout program and proper warm up is a must!

Remember, the most effective exercise for love handles will target the abdominal area and focus on each muscles group. Here are a few resistance bands exercises that can be easily incorporated into you workout:

A Seated Crunch
This exercise for love handles provide similar benefits as the basic abdominal crunch, but with less neck strain. You also remove the possible discomfort that comes with lying on the floor because your using a band rather than gravity to provide resistance. For this abdominal exercise, you will need to be sitting in a straight back chair which you can somehow loop your band through. Sitting up straight with your feet flat on the floor keeping them in line with your hips. Contract your abdominal muscles, and hold that pressure, slowly bend forward to about a forty-five degree angle. Keeping the motion slow and controlled, repeat for an entire set. Make sure to keep your feet on the floor and your back as straight as possible. Proper form here is a must

One-Arm Band Pull
Now put the chair away and do this next exercise for love handles standing up, again keep your feet hip width apart. Put both your hands above your head, holding the band about eighteen inches apart. Keeping your left hand overhead, bring your right hand out to the side, elbow bent at about a ninety degree angle. Hold your left arm still as you contract your abdominal and lower your right arm until your hand is in line with your chest. Hold this position, then slowly return. Repeat for the full set, then switch hands. It most important to Keep your back straight and avoid bending or leaning at the waist. Again, proper form will ensure the best results.

Twisting Roll-Back
For this abdominal exercise, you will need to be sitting on a flat surface, preferably the floor. Use proper cushioning (towel) to ease any possible strain on your coccyx. Sit down with your legs bent and heels on the floor. Your toes should be pointing up– do not put your feet flat on the floor here. Loop the band around your feet, put one end in each hand and put your hands together. With a rolling motion, slowly lower your torso toward the floor about forty-five degrees. As you do this, twist to the right and spread your hands to the sides. Hold for a second, then rotate back to the middle and raise your torso back to start. Your heels should remain on the floor throughout the exercise. Do a full set, then switch to the left side.

Well, these are just a few examples of exercises for love handles that incorporate the use or resistance bands. Others include: straight leg raises, sitting twist, standing twist and squats. Resistance bands are convenient, portable and a great way to get a workout in while your on vacation or on business. If your looking for a great way to stimulate those muscle fibers and work your core muscles…then look no further than!