As promised, I’m back with more lessons on love handles – that is, how to be rid of them. In case you missed Love Handle Lessons: Part One, click here and give it a whirl! For the following routine you’ll need a chair or some sort of support you can lean into, friends who you can trick into trying it with you, and a deep hatred for your love handles that will motivate you to push through when it starts to burn – because it will and it will be worth it. Now, let’s get going!
Flow from one movement to the next on your right side, then return to the top and repeat each movement on the same side for half the time! Switch sides and perform the entire sequence on your left. I cannot stress enough that you MUST keep your core engaged (abs squeezed and pelvis tucked) throughout the entire sequence.
As always, consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
Side Lift & Pulse
Stand about 3-4 feet to the left of your chair (or any support – a countertop would work as well) and place your left hand on the back of the chair.
With your CORE ENGAGED lift your right leg to hip level so that it’s parallel with the floor. Your goal is to never drop your leg below this height. Lift about 6 inches higher and return to hip level. Repeat this movement for 1 minute! Remember to keep your abs engaged the entire time to protect your lower back and force the work into your obliques.
Pro tip: If you not feeling the pressure in your love handle (after the first minute or so), start again but this time standing further away from your chair and lean into it so that your elbow is bent. You can change the level of your upper body to modify!
Hip Rotations
Continuing on, keep your leg at hip level and on the same plane as your torso. Bend your knee slightly. Rotate from your hip to turn your knee downward, then open your hips to point your knee upward. Continue this movement for 1 minute – keep your pelvis tucked and tilted under!
Pro tip: Your knee should not drift in front of your body – Focus on keeping it in line with your hip bone.
Parallel Attitude Pulse
Without setting your leg down, turn your torso so that it is square with your chair and place both hands on the back. With your leg bent at a 90 degree angle, lower and lift as high as you can while keeping your chest up and your torso turned. Repeat for 1 minute!
Pro tip: Higher chest = more burn!
For more on love handles, click here to check out my 7 minute Muffin Top workout and other quick trouble-spot toners!