8 Simple Exercises to Get Rid of Muffin Top

8 Simple Exercises to Get Rid of Muffin Top
Most people find it hard to lose the love handles and muffin top, largely because they are a part of the core muscles. This is the set of muscles that connects the upper to the lower body. Losing fats accumulated in this region and toning the muscles, involves training the abdominal muscles with exercises that target the entire core region and hips, back, buttocks and upper body. The workouts targeting the mid-section and core will also go a long way to tone the core muscles and strengthen your back There are quite a number of simple yet effective exercises that you can use to tone the muscles and get rid of the muffin top with just a little effort and a lot of dedication on your part. A combination of these exercises and a proven dietary plan to minimize calorie intake is guaranteed to give you noticeable results within a short time. 1. Side Bends: This is a simple move, so it’s best to do a high number of reps. Hold dumbbells to add difficulty. How To Do: Start in a standing position with your feet hip distance apart. Bend from your hips toward your right foot, keeping your left hand on your hip. Return to the standing position. Bend toward your left foot, keeping your right hand on your hip. Continue alternating. Try for three sets for 30 reps on each side. 2. The Hands-up Hop: How To Do: Stand up, your feet hip-width apart; bend your knees slightly. Put your hands on your hips. Raise your right knee stepping forward with the left foot. Stretch your arms above your head hopping straight up on your left leg. Hands on your feet, land with your feet together. Switching sides, do 20 repetitions of the exercise. 3. Side Plank Knee-Tuck: How To Do: Prop the body up with the left forearm while keeping the rest of the body straight, head to heel. Your hips should be lifted and the core tightened all the way to the shoulders. Keeping the torso and mid-section stable, slowly raise your right leg without changing the angle of your body. Bring the right knee towards the chest. Pause for 3 seconds then slowly return the right leg to the starting position. Turn to the right side and do the same for the left leg. Repeat this 10 to 12 times for each leg for a complete set. 4. Dead Bug: How To Do: Lie down straight on your back and raise your legs and bend your knees at a perpendicular position. Raise your arms straight, parallel and perpendicular to the ground. Now, take your left arms and stretch it beyond your head while straightening your right leg but not letting it touch the floor. This is one rep. Do 20 reps for best results. 5. Alternating Toe Touches: How To Do: Lie on your back with your back pressed against the floor. Elevate one leg up in the air while slowly lifting your torso off the ground. U Using the opposite arm, reach over and try to touch your toe. Remember to exhale while perform this part of the exercise. Slowly begin to lower your torso and arms back down to the starting position while inhaling. Repeat the movement on the other side. Repeat the movement. Try for three sets of 30 reps on each side. 6. Tabletop Side Kicks: How To Do: Be in a table top position and make sure that the back is straight and the hands are under knees, hips and shoulder. Instead of lifting your leg upwards, you cross it behind your leg still in table top form, almost tucking your knee under your planted leg’s knee, tapping your toe on the ground. Then with your core engaged, slowly kick out this leg parallel towards the floor and to the side. 7. Cross Knees To Elbows: How To Do: Begin standing with your feet shoulder width apart. Bend your arms and place your hands behind your head. Move each knee to the opposite elbow, while alternating sides. Squeeze your abs. Try for three sets for 20 reps on each side. 8. Double Criss Cross: A double criss cross is very effective in tightening the stubborn fat that forms a lump at the end of your stomach. It also tones your upper abdomen muscles that tighten the entire skin on the belly. How To Do: Lie down flat on your back and put your arms behind your head. Bend your knees at 90 degree angle and raise them off the floor so that your legs are parallel to the ground. Now, gently shift your left elbow towards your right knee by bending them both towards each other. Do the same for the other side with your right elbow and left knee. Pull in your stomach as you do this and do not put any pressure on your neck. Do this 20 times in three sets for best results. Original article and pictures take http://www.stylesofliving.com/articles/exercises-to-get-rid-of-muffin-top/ site