How American Celebrities Lose Belly Fat: Expert Tips and Workouts
When it comes to trimming down love handles and toning the belly, side planks are one of the most effective exercises you can include in your workout routine.
Unlike traditional ab exercises that mostly target the front of your core, side planks specifically engage the obliques—the muscles on the sides of your abdomen.
Side planks are a fantastic way to activate the oblique muscles, which play a key role in shaping your waistline. When you hold the side plank position, the obliques work to stabilize your body and prevent it from collapsing.
This deep engagement not only strengthens these muscles but also helps tone and tighten the sides of your belly, targeting those stubborn love handles. Over time, the increased muscle definition can contribute to a leaner appearance around your midsection.
Side planks are an isometric exercise, meaning you hold the position without dynamic movement. This constant tension in the core encourages fat-burning, as your body has to recruit energy to keep your body elevated.
As the side plank forces you to engage your entire core, it boosts calorie burn, which helps reduce belly fat over time. The more muscle you build, the higher your resting metabolic rate becomes, meaning you’ll burn more calories even when you’re not working out.
While side planks are excellent for targeting the obliques, they also improve overall core stability. A stronger core enhances posture and helps you maintain proper alignment throughout the day, reducing strain on your back and preventing injury.
As you get better at holding the side plank, you’ll notice improved control over your movements, which can enhance other exercises that target belly fat, like cardio and strength training routines.