Anyone who has worked hard to get into shape can tell you that the hardest spot to tone and train is the belly area, or more specifically the love handles that are found at the sides right above the hips. What might be considered cute on small children love handles are far from lovable on adults. These pockets of fat cover the external obliques and can only be worked through specific exercises for love handles. Regular stomach exercises such as sit-ups and crunches cannot work these muscle groups hence the need for these special exercises for love handles.

One of the first exercises for love handles is the side crunch. This is a crunch that is performed lying flat on the floor. The first step is to lie on one side. Next you will need to place your hand of the arm on the floor across your waist and place that hand on the hip that is pointing upward. Place the fingertips of your upper arm on your ear. Your elbow should point straight up into the air. Simultaneously raise your upper leg about twelve inches and lift your shoulders up from the floor. Make sure that you draw your stomach in while doing this exercise for love handles so you get the full benefit. After holding it for a few seconds ease it back to the ground. Run through one full set and then change over to your other side.
The next exercise for love handles that you can go into from the first position is the seated knee drop. Starting from a sitting position with your legs in front of you lower yourself back so that you are resting on the area above your buttocks. You may need to use your hands behind you to steady yourself. Bring your knees up until you can place your feet flat on the floor and place your ankles together. You will then begin to lower your knees to one side allowing your feet to turn onto their side but keeping them in contact with the floor. Continue the movement until your knees are roughly six inches off of the floor. Once in position hold it for a second. You will then go to the opposite side repeating the same movements. This exercise for love handles is best performed slowly and with  control.

The next exercises for love handles can be performed from a standing position. The first of these, the side bend, is extremely easy to do but is one of the most effective. Stand straight and place your feet shoulder width apart. You will then need to bend your knees just a bit. Lean your upper body first to one side and then to the other. Make sure that you are only moving in a sideways motion and not front or back. This is an extremely effective exercise for love handles even though it seems so basic.

Another exercise for love handles that can be done from a standing position is the torso twist. It is best performed right before or after the side bend so that you get the most impact from your routine. Begin as you did in the side bend with feet apart. Begin by twisting your upper body from one side to the other. Do this slowly and make sure not to move your hips. Stay as straight as possible so that you get the most out of this great exercise for love handles.

Please Note that anytime you decide to begin anything physical make sure you check with your doctor. Also be sure to warm up before hand so that you may avoid injury.

Lastly check out the exercise ball love handles video posted early this month and enjoy!