Known as love handles, the belly fat around your torso are unlovable for many reasons, such as their unsightly appearance as well as the fact that it’s an indicator of poor health. Fortunately, you can blast your love handles with these five easy yet effective exercises, which are designed to target your transverse abdominals and rectus abdominals.
You should perform these exercises at least once a week by adding them to your regular strength and conditioning program. You must also add high-intensity interval training (HIIT) three times a week – HIIT increases the metabolic thus allowing the body to burn fat even when at rest – and adopt a healthy diet. When in doubt about proper form and technique, ask a personal trainer at 24 Hour Fitness – or better yet, take your cues from his own toned abs.
#1 Deadlift
Start with 4 sets consisting of 10 to 15 reps each. Stand with the bar above your feet’s center while ensuring that your stance is slightly narrower than shoulder width, which will give your arms ample room for the exercise. Grab the bar and bend your knees such that your shins touch it; the bar should remain just above your feet’s middle part.
Pull while still keeping the bar as close to your body as possible. Roll the bar over your knees and thighs until such time that your hips and knees are locked in position.
#2 Hanging Leg Raises
Begin with 4 sets of 20 reps each and increase the number as you build up your strength and endurance. Grab a bar, flex your lats and abs so that you feel them slightly burn, and slowly raise your feet until these touch the bar. Be sure to keep your legs straight for
Grab a bar and just hang. Flex your abs and lats, slowly raise your feet up to the bar, remembering to keep your legs straight.
#3 Two-handed Kettlebell Swing
Perform 4 sets with 2- reps each. Ask a personal trainer about the proper grip and form when handling kettlebells as these can cause injury to your limbs. Stand up straight with your feet slightly wider than your hip-distance. Grab the handle of the kettlebell with your hands – keep your palms facing downward and your arms in front of your body while also driving your hips back and your knees slightly bent. With an explosive yet fluid motion, drive your hips forward while simultaneously swinging the kettlebell, which will keep your core muscles and glutes engaged.