5 Effective Exercises To Reduce Side Fat

In this blog post, we will share with you some effective exercises to reduce side fat that you can do at home with minimal equipment. Side fat, also known as love handles or muffin tops, is the excess flab along the sides of your waist. It can be frustrating to get rid of, especially if you are looking for a slimmer and more defined waistline.
However, there is no magic pill or quick fix to lose side fat. You need to follow a balanced diet and a regular exercise routine that targets your whole body, not just one area.
These exercises will help you tone your oblique muscles, which are the ones that run along the sides of your abdomen. They will also help you burn calories and fat all over your body, as well as improve your posture and core strength.
Before we start, here are some tips to make the most of these exercises:
- Warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards. This will prevent injuries and improve your performance.
- Do these exercises 2-3 times a week, on non-consecutive days. Rest is important for muscle recovery and growth.
- Perform each exercise for 15-20 repetitions or as many as you can with good form. You can also do them in a circuit format, where you do one exercise after another with little or no rest in between.
- Breathe deeply and exhale as you contract your muscles. This will help you engage your core and stabilize your spine.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet that is rich in protein, fibre, complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. This will help you fuel your body and speed up your metabolism.
Ready to get started? Here are the exercises to reduce side fat that you can try at home:
1. Starfish
This is a variation of the side plank exercise, which is a killer move for reducing side fat. It also works your shoulders, arms, hips, and legs.
How to do it:
- Lie on your right side with your legs stacked and your right elbow directly under your shoulder.
- Lift your hips and torso off the floor and extend your left arm up towards the ceiling.
- Lift your left leg up until it is parallel to the floor and point your toes.
- Reach your left hand towards your left foot and try to touch them together.
- Return to the starting position and repeat on the same side for 15-20 reps.
- Switch sides and do the same number of reps on the other side.
Also Read – Six Move Exercise
2. Side Plank Circles
This exercise targets your oblique muscles, as well as your lower belly pooch. It also challenges your balance and coordination.
How to do it:
- – Lie on your right side with your legs stacked and your right elbow directly under your shoulder.
- Lift your hips and torso off the floor and place your left hand on your left hip.
- Lift your left leg up until it is parallel to the floor and point your toes.
- Start tracing big circles with your left leg in a clockwise direction. Keep your hips steady and don’t let them drop.
- Do 20 circles in one direction, then switch directions and do 20 more circles.
- Switch sides and repeat on the other side.
3. Oblique Crunch
This is a classic exercise to work your oblique muscles and reduce side fat. It also works your lower abs and hip flexors.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- Place your hands behind your head and lift your shoulders off the floor.
- Twist your upper body to the right and bring your left elbow towards your right knee. At the same time, extend your left leg out straight.
- Return to the centre and repeat on the other side. That’s one rep.
- Keep alternating sides for 15-20 reps.
4. Piked Elbow Twist
This is an advanced exercise that requires strength, flexibility, and balance. It works not only your oblique muscles but also your entire core, arms, legs, and back.
How to do it:
- Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and your hands behind you, palms flat on the floor.
- Lift your hips off the floor and bring them forward until they are aligned with your shoulders. Your body should form a V-shape.
- Bend your right knee and bring it towards your chest. At the same time, twist your upper body to the left and touch your right elbow to the floor near your left hip.
- Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. That’s one rep.
- Keep alternating sides for 15-20 reps.
5. Russian Twist
This is another classic exercise that targets your oblique muscles and helps you get rid of side fat. It also works your lower abs and lower back.
How to do it:
- Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat.
- Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the floor. You can cross your ankles for stability.
- Hold your hands together in front of your chest and twist your upper body to the right. Try to touch the floor with your hands near your right hip.
- Twist your upper body to the left and touch the floor with your hands near your left hip. That’s one rep.
- Keep twisting from side to side for 15-20 reps.
These are some of the best exercises to reduce side fat that you can do at home. Remember to be consistent and patient, as results won’t come overnight. Combine these exercises with a healthy diet and lifestyle, and you will soon see a difference in your waistline and overall health.