Everyone loves the holidays. Good food, good company, and plenty of curling up inside to stay warm. Once the cold goes away however it is a different story. The extra pounds that have found their way to the sides have seemed to set up permanent residence. So, what sort of exercises for love handles can you do to get ready for hitting the beach?

One of the first exercises for love handles is the standing crossover. Start in a standing position. Place your feet just a few inches apart. Next bring your arms straight out to the sides and bend them at the elbows so that your fingers are pointing straight up. Now for the hard part of this exercise for love handles; draw in your abdominal muscles and lift one knee while drawing it toward the opposite elbow. Likewise, bring that elbow down to the knee. Hold  for a second and then go back to the starting position. Alternate from one side to the other and do a full set. This exercise for love handles can make a difference in a short time.

The next exercise is the ball roll. You will start by sitting on the floor. Bring your knees up to your chest and rock back a bit so that you are on the upper part of your buttocks that most refer to as the tail bone. Make sure that your feet are off of the floor and point your toes down. Draw your abs in and slowly roll yourself backward so that you are on your lower back. Once again you will draw in your muscles and go back to the start position. This is a difficult, but not impossible, exercise for love handles.

The plank is an exercise for love handles that can take a good deal of practice to hold it for the full time. Lie flat on your stomach and place your arms underneath your chest with your elbows under your shoulders. Your upper body should be raised off of your arms to properly complete this movement. Next you will raise the rest of your body off of the floor so that it is supported only by your elbows and toes. Make sure that you do not allow your back to drop down or arch. Stay in this position for about twenty seconds or so and then go back to the floor. You will not need to repeat this exercise for love handles during the workout routine.

The side plank is a modified plank that is also a great exercise for love handles. It can also be very challenging as well. You will begin in the plank ready position supported between your elbows and toes. You will then roll your torso to one side while making sure to keep the forearm on that side flat on the floor for support. You will have to roll your feet so that one is on top of the other. Also make sure that your hip does not touch the floor. Keep your body as straight as possible and hold the position for five seconds. You then return to the beginning position and go to the opposite side. This can be one of the most challenging exercises for love handles.

Make sure that you check with your doctor before you start a new routine. Also, by warming up you can help to avoid injury.