How to Reduce Your Love Handles

Love handles, lots of people have them, but despite the name, they are not lovely.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Love handles are difficult to get rid of, but not impossible. You have to work hard and stay motivated. Do not use the ab belts that say they will reduce love handles. It is a gimmick and does not work. First and foremost, you most likely need a change in lifestyle. This is both the easiest and most difficult thing to do. Some lifestyle changes include diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking, and sleep habits.

2. Change your diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables each day: 7-9 servings total. Cut out sugars and sweets. Sugars (sodium) are so bad for your health and your teeth. Stay away from it as much as possible. If you drink soda, replace it was water. Be cautious with diet sodas as well. The artificial sweetener in them can actually trick your body and hinder weight loss. Portion control is huge! By controlling your portions you will be able to cut down the extra food consumption easily. Drink plenty of water; you need to stay hydrated, especially with increased activity levels.

3. Exercise is essential! Do not think you need to do only core workouts. Full body resistance training and cardiovascular exercise will change your appearance, mood, self-esteem, and percent body fat. Yes, you should incorporate core exercises into your workout, however it should not be the only component. Be sure to begin any workout program slowing and progress. Start out 2-3 days a week, and increase to 4-5 days after you get into a more regular routine. Be sure to take a couple days off each week, and do not lift the same body parts two days in a row. Rest is important for optimal fat reduction and muscle gain.

4. Pilates and yoga are good exercise programs to engage in. Gyms offer classes, with instructors so you are sure to be doing it correctly. Going to a class also makes you more motivated and positive towards exercise. Other classes more focused toward cardiovascular health are also offered. At work, if you are sitting all day, take a physioball in, sit on that for a couple hours this will help strengthen your core muscles .