Trainer says four exercises will burn off love handle fat

A trainer has detailed four simple exercises that can burn off love handles - the fatty areas on either side of the waist above the hips - which occur due to fat retention around the hips and abdominal area and are a common perceived imperfection that many people have.

The TikTok hashtag #HowToGetRidOfLoveHandles has 48.8 million views alone, highlighting just how many people want to reduce their love handles. Leon Bolmeer, fitness expert and director of Geezer’s Boxing, has developed a specific workout that targets love handles, helping people develop a leaner waistline.

This circuit is designed to be performed 2-3 times per week, with at least one rest day in between. You should aim to do three rounds of this circuit, with 30 seconds of rest between exercises and a 1-minute rest between rounds.

Russian Twists

Russian twists sound more daunting than they actually are, but they’re an excellent exercise if you want to tackle excess fat around your waist and tone your abdomen area.

To do them, simply sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat before leaning back slightly, keeping your core engaged (imagine pulling your belly button towards your spine).

Now, twist your torso from side to side, reaching your hands towards the ground on either side (but don't touch it), and remember to keep your legs lifted if you feel like you need an extra challenge.

Do 15 reps per side.

Plank with Knee Crunches

Most people have done a plank before and know how difficult it can be, and adding in the extra element of knee crunches takes the exercise and its benefits to another level.

This exercise is relatively easy and simple to do, though. Get into a high plank position (like a press-up but on your elbows), and once you have done that, bring one knee towards your chest, twisting your torso slightly to meet it. Then, return your knee back out and repeat with the other leg. That's one rep.

Aim for 10 reps on each side.

Side Plank with Hip Dips

The plank is a versatile exercise, and incorporating a side plank with hip dips into this circuit will significantly improve your chances of reducing love handles.

To begin this exercise, lie on your side with your elbow directly under your shoulder. Next, lift your hips up so your body forms a straight line before lowering your hips slightly. You will be able to feel the squeeze in your obliques, and when you do, then you know it’s time to push back up.

Do 10 reps on each side.

Burpees

Burpees are a classic exercise in many workouts, and that’s because they are one of the most effective ways of getting a good cardio workout in and shifting calories without needing any equipment or having to leave the comfort of your own home.

To complete a burpee, start standing, squat down, jump your hands out to a high plank position, do a proper press-up (or a modified one on your knees if needed), jump your feet back in, stand up, and then add a jump to finish off the move. That's one rep.

Do 10 burpees.