National Academy of Sports Medicine
Unfortunately, working the obliques will not help you get rid of your love handles. This thought process plays into a myth known as "spot-reduction" which is centered around the idea that performing exercises for specific muscles will burn body fat in the same area. While exercises for the obliques may help make them stronger, they will not help make you leaner in the waist. To get rid of those love handles, focus on proper nutrition and participating in a structured exercise program consisting of resistance and cardiorespiratory training. Doing so will decrease fat stores throughout the entire body, including the problem areas.
Dr. Mike Clark, DPT on behalf of Sharecare Fitness
Fitness
Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to specifically target where your body is going to lose fat (this is a myth known as spot-reduction). With that said, simply doing exercises solely for the obliques will not make your mid-section leaner and more defined. Getting rid of your love-handles comes down to consuming a diet of nutritious foods that add up to less calories than you burn each day, forcing your body to use stored fat for energy, and incorporating strength training with a total-body focus into your exercise routine. In other words, eat less and move more. To get the biggest benefit from your ab routine, perform a variety of exercises that incorporate not only the abdominal muscles but the rest of the body as well in a circuit, such as the one shown below. Circuits such as this one (that challenge multiple muscle groups) will turn your body into a calorie burning furnace, helping you to get that lean and streamlined mid-section you’re after.
Perform 10-15 repetitions of each of the following exercises in a row without rest (circuit). Depending on your fitness level, repeat up to two more times for a total of 1-3 circuits.
- Floor Bridge
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- Plank
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- Side Plank
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- Reverse Crunch
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- Cable/Tubing Lift
Todd Townes - Sharecare Fitness Expert on behalf of Sharecare Fitness
Fitness
Sorry, but the answer is no. Just remember that love handles indicate too much body fat. You can’t get rid of them without losing body fat. A good exercise program and clean diet will help make those love handles shrink!
Wendy Batts on behalf of Sharecare Fitness
Fitness
Unfortunately there is no such thing as spot reduction, which is what many believe will happen to the love handles if you work those muscles a lot. Losing fat in any area is a result of burning more calories than you consume. The best way to achieve this calorie scenario is to incorporate a sensible reduced calorie diet and increase physical activity. However, there’s nothing wrong with incorporating abdominal exercises into your routine to be sure those muscles stay nice and strong!
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Fitness
Exercising for 30 minutes at least 5 days a week makes you look and feel better while reducing your risks for many chronic conditions. Physical activity boosts your immune system and mental sharpness, and helps you avoid obesity, diabetes, cancer and heart problems.
