Love handles can make you feel uncomfortable in fitted clothes and bikinis. You might avoid certain outfits or feel self-conscious about your side profile. The good news is that you can target this stubborn area with the right oblique exercises at home.
Your oblique muscles run along the sides of your torso and help create that coveted hourglass shape. When you strengthen them, you improve your core stability and create a more defined waistline. Strong obliques also help you feel more confident and powerful in everything you do.
Today, we will show you 10 oblique workouts that will help you say goodbye to love handles and build a strong, sculpted core. These exercises work your side abs and help create that beautiful waist definition you have always wanted. You can do all of them with no equipment in the comfort of your home.
The best part about these workouts is that they also improve your posture and back health. Strong obliques support your spine and help you move with more grace and confidence. You will start seeing changes in how you look and feel within just a few weeks.
1. Russian Twists
This exercise is perfect for targeting love handles and tightening your entire core. Russian twists work both your obliques and deep abdominal muscles. You will love how this exercise makes your waist feel strong and stable.
Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat. Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground. Hold your hands together in front of your chest and twist from side to side. Keep your core engaged throughout the movement.
Touch the ground beside your hip with each twist. You should feel this working deep in your side muscles. Start with 20 twists total and work up to 30 or more. Your waistline will become more defined with every rep.
2. Side Plank
Side planks are amazing for creating that lean, sculpted look along your waistline. This exercise targets your obliques while also working your shoulders and core. It is one of the most effective exercises for love handles.
Lie on your right side with your elbow under your shoulder. Stack your legs and lift your hips off the ground. Keep your body in a straight line from head to feet. Hold this position while breathing normally.
Start by holding for 20-30 seconds on each side. Work up to holding for a full minute. You will feel this working exactly where you want to lose those love handles. Switch sides and repeat for balanced development.
3. Bicycle Crunches
Bicycle crunches work your obliques in a dynamic way that helps burn calories while toning. This exercise mimics the motion of riding a bike while lying down. You will love how this movement targets your entire core area.
Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your knees bent. Lift your shoulders off the ground and bring your right elbow toward your left knee. At the same time, extend your right leg straight out.
Switch sides in a pedaling motion, bringing your left elbow to your right knee. Keep the movement controlled and focus on rotating through your core. Do 20-30 total reps to start. This exercise will help melt away stubborn side fat.
4. Side Crunches
Side crunches specifically target the obliques and help create definition along your waistline. This exercise is perfect for beginners and can be done anywhere. You will feel this working immediately in your side muscles.
Lie on your right side with your knees slightly bent. Place your right hand on the floor for support and your left hand behind your head. Lift your upper body by crunching your left elbow toward your left hip.
Lower back down slowly and repeat. Focus on using your side muscles to lift, not your neck. Do 15-20 reps on each side. You will love how this exercise helps create that beautiful waist curve you want.
5. Standing Oblique Crunches
Standing oblique crunches are perfect when you want to work your core without getting on the floor. This exercise helps tone your love handles while also improving your balance. It is great for busy women who need quick workouts.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands behind your head. Lift your right knee up toward your right elbow while crunching your torso to the side. Focus on bringing your elbow and knee together.
Lower back down and repeat on the other side. You should feel this working in your obliques and hip flexors. Do 15-20 reps on each side. This exercise is perfect for targeting those stubborn areas that bother you most.
6. Mountain Climbers
Mountain climbers work your entire core while getting your heart rate up. This dynamic exercise helps burn calories while toning your obliques and abs. You will love how this movement makes you feel strong and athletic.
Start in a plank position with your hands under your shoulders. Bring your right knee toward your chest, then quickly switch legs like you are climbing a mountain. Keep your hips level and your core tight throughout.
Move as quickly as you can while maintaining good form. Do this for 30-60 seconds to start. You will feel this working in your obliques, abs, and shoulders. This exercise will help you burn fat while building lean muscle.
7. Dead Bug
The dead bug exercise works your deep core muscles while also targeting your obliques. It helps improve your coordination and core stability. This exercise is perfect for women who want to strengthen their core safely and effectively.
Lie on your back with your arms reaching toward the ceiling and your knees bent at 90 degrees. Lower your right arm overhead while extending your left leg straight out. Keep your lower back pressed into the floor.
Return to the starting position and switch sides. Move slowly and focus on keeping your core engaged. Do 8-10 reps on each side. This exercise will help you develop the deep core strength that supports a lean waistline.
8. Wood Choppers
Wood choppers work your obliques through a full range of motion while also engaging your shoulders and legs. This functional exercise mimics real-life movements and helps create beautiful definition along your sides. You can do this with a water bottle or just your body weight.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold your hands together above your right shoulder. Bring your arms down and across your body toward your left hip while rotating through your torso. Keep your core engaged throughout.
Return to the starting position and repeat. Focus on rotating from your core, not just your arms. Do 12-15 reps on each side. You will love how this exercise works your entire core while helping you feel graceful and strong.
9. Side Plank Dips
Side plank dips add movement to the traditional side plank, making it even more effective for love handles. This exercise challenges your obliques while also working your shoulders and core stability. It is perfect for creating that defined waistline you want.
Start in a side plank position on your right side. Lower your hip toward the ground without letting it touch, then lift back up to the starting position. Keep your body straight and your core engaged throughout the movement.
You should feel this working intensely in your obliques and core. Start with 8-10 dips on each side and work up to 15 or more. This exercise will help you build the strong, sculpted core of your dreams.
10. Flutter Kicks
Flutter kicks work your lower abs and obliques while also engaging your hip flexors. This exercise helps create overall core definition and strength. It is perfect for finishing your oblique workout with a challenging movement.
Lie on your back with your hands under your lower back for support. Lift your legs slightly off the ground and alternate kicking them up and down in small, quick movements. Keep your core tight and your lower back pressed down.
Continue for 30-60 seconds to start. You should feel this working in your lower abs and obliques. Focus on keeping the movements controlled and your core engaged. This exercise will help you develop the strong, lean core you have always wanted.
Conclusion
These 10 oblique workouts will help you say goodbye to love handles and build the strong, beautiful core you deserve. You do not need expensive equipment or a gym membership. Your living room has everything you need to start sculpting your waistline today.
The key to losing love handles is consistency and patience. Do these exercises 3-4 times per week and combine them with a healthy diet. Remember that building muscle in your core helps burn fat all over, so every rep is working toward your goal. Be kind to yourself and celebrate every small victory.
Strong obliques will transform more than just your appearance. You will stand taller, feel more confident, and have better balance and stability. Your clothes will fit better and you will love how you look and feel in everything you wear.
Start with 3-4 of these exercises today and choose the ones that feel right for your fitness level. As you get stronger, add more exercises and increase your reps. The confident, strong woman you want to be is just a workout away.
Your love handle transformation starts right now. Pick your favorite exercise from this list and give it a try. You will be amazed at how quickly you start feeling stronger and more confident in your own skin. The beautiful, defined waist you deserve is within your reach.
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