Top Workout for Getting Rid of Love Handles

Let’s get real: Struggling with love handles is a major annoyance. Having some extra cushion around the midsection isn’t necessarily a problem, but it can become frustrating when trying to fit into snug jeans or figure-hugging attire. And as the season for beach outings approaches, the desire to slim down the waist and achieve a toned stomach intensifies. Here at ETNT, we recognize this challenge, which is why we reached out to Mike Masi, CPT, a seasoned personal trainer from Garage Gym Reviews. He reveals the ultimate exercise for trimming those pesky love handles, aiming for a healthier and slimmer appearance.

Reducing love handles not only enhances your look but also boosts your health substantially. Harvard Health Publishing points out that visceral fat, which nestles deep in your abdomen, is linked to poor metabolic health and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. This specific kind of belly fat is even associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. Thus, if the cosmetic aspect of losing love handles isn’t enough motivation, consider the significant health advantages.

If you’re ready to sculpt your midsection, keep reading for Masi’s #1 best exercise for love handles.

What is the #1 best exercise to melt love handles?

So, what’s the top workout for eliminating the stubborn excess around your waistline? Masi suggests squat thrusters as the go-to exercise. He explains that squat thrusters effectively work your shoulders and glutes, potentially aiding in muscle development and creating the illusion of a slimmer waist. This workout involves a large amount of muscle, making it exceptionally beneficial. “Moreover, it’s a versatile exercise that allows for the addition of weights, whether you use a barbell, kettlebells, or dumbbells,” he adds.

Squat thrusters are hailed as one of the most effective exercises for targeting love handles because they’re a compound movement that engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, including the core, legs, and shoulders. This compound movement also torches calories while sculpting and toning the oblique muscles to help reduce the appearance of love handles over time.

The health benefits of squat thrusters:

Squat thrusters help improve cardiovascular health by elevating your heart rate and boosting metabolism, making them an excellent addition to any fat-loss-focused workout program. This exercise also enhances functional strength and athleticism by mimicking natural movement patterns that improve coordination and balance.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

“Research suggests there are certain exercises that are better at burning calories than others,” says Masi. “This includes multi-joint exercises like squat thrusters, which outperform isolation exercises. Furthermore, there is a way to train that results in a growth or widening of the muscles at the hips and the upper back, giving the appearance of a smaller waist over time.”

How can you implement squat thrusters into your routine?

Here is Masi’s breakdown on incorporating squat thrusters into your fitness routine.

“Take a barbell in the front rack position, drop into a squat, then stand up fast enough to thrust the bar overhead. The speed at which this is performed may make or break if you can complete the rep by pressing the bar up,” Masi explains. “Start with a light load first, maybe even using a PVC pipe or a broomstick to get the hang of the movement. Depending on your physical ability, even bodyweight squats can be difficult, and that may be the place to start before you’re comfortable enough to move into thrusters. Work up to three or four sets of eight to 12 reps with a weight that makes the last few reps of each set challenging but doable.”

The benefits of squat thrusters for weight loss:

Squat thrusters are ideal for shedding excess fat and toning your body. Here’s why:

• They burn lots of calories. Squat thrusters engage major muscle groups, including the legs, glutes, core, and shoulders, resulting in high-calorie burn both during and after a workout. This increased metabolic demand can help you burn more calories, even at rest, throughout the day.
• They help build muscle. Adding squat thrusters to your routine will help you build lean muscle mass while melting body fat. More muscle means a higher resting metabolic rate, allowing you to burn more calories even when not exercising.
• They boost endurance. Squat thrusters require cardiovascular endurance and stamina. Over time, your overall fitness level will increase, allowing you to push harder and longer during workouts to burn more calories and build muscle.