Bye bye, muffin top! 10 tips to slim hips
MUFFIN TOP BE GONE!
Losing fat around the waist and hips is one of the most common weight loss goals, and although it takes effort, it can be done! Here are 10 tips to help cinch your waist and get rid of those embarrassing love handles once and for all.
BOOST OVERALL FAT BURNING
You might think that doing 1000 sit-ups or running miles upon miles will remove the pesky layer of fat on your waist, but you'd be sorely mistaken. Instead of trying to target specific body parts, focus on building muscle all over your body through a variety of exercises.
The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn, and actually the biggest fat-burners are found on your lower body (glutes, hamstrings, quads, etc.). If you ever wondered why they say "don't skip leg day," there's your answer. Plus, you should know that many exercises that aren't directly associated with your hips and abs do still engage them in a significant way.
BALANCE YOUR DIET
A healthy and balanced diet ensures long-term healthy weight loss. This means minimizing your consumption of processed, fatty foods and upping your intake of fresh produce and real ingredients. If you must, keep a food journal and measure out your portions.
Oftentimes, weight gain is merely an effect of overeating, even if the food is healthy. Try calculating your recommended daily calorie intake for weight loss, and stick to it while you're trying to lose.
Once you reach your goals, you can relax and hopefully will have a better idea of how much and what you should be putting on your plate. But even when you get your slim-hipped bod, there are habits you need to keep in practice so as not to pile the pounds back on later.
SWEAT YOUR WAY TO SLIM
For reliable, steady weight loss, it's recommended to work out for at least 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week. If that sounds too daunting, then get into high-intensity interval training and do mini workouts that get your heart pounding like crazy.
Strength training is ideal for long-term weight loss and maintenance, but if you want to speed things along, cardio is especially effective. The best activities for slimming your sides are running, cycling, dancing, swimming and even regular walking.
BE REASONABLE WITH YOUR EXERCISE PROGRAM
If you're going to start working out a lot more than usual, it's important to be reasonable and allow yourself rest days or light-training days. The elliptical is excellent for this, as it works your leg, torso and arms simultaneously, without putting too much pressure on your joints. Yoga and pilates are other soft alternatives that are also excellent for flexibility and core strength.
DO WORK YOUR ABS
If definition and toning is your goal, then ab exercises are essential to your strength training routine. Stability balls, planks, standing wood choppers and a multitude of sit-up variations are all wise choices. Find what works for you, and stick with it.
DO WORK YOUR ABS
If definition and toning is your goal, then ab exercises are essential to your strength training routine. Stability balls, planks, standing wood choppers and a multitude of sit-up variations are all wise choices. Find what works for you, and stick with it.
KEEP SWEET SNACKS TO A BARE MINIMUM
Sugar is one of the major culprits behind weight gain and plumping up your love handles. Have sweets as an occasional indulgence, not an everyday post-dinner treat. Or satisfy your sweet tooth in the morning with a healthy homemade muffin.
At least you can control what goes into it, and by crushing your cravings early in the day, you'll be less likely to face them later on.
KEEP SWEET SNACKS TO A BARE MINIMUM
Sugar is one of the major culprits behind weight gain and plumping up your love handles. Have sweets as an occasional indulgence, not an everyday post-dinner treat. Or satisfy your sweet tooth in the morning with a healthy homemade muffin.
At least you can control what goes into it, and by crushing your cravings early in the day, you'll be less likely to face them later on.
GO VEGGIE CRAZY
Vegetables are one food that you almost don't have to eat in moderation because many of them are mostly made up of water and therefore very low in calories. But not all vegetables are all-you-can-eat—watch out for the starchier kinds (potatoes, peas, corn).
Edison's Smart Fitness
Gym, Fitness Center, Health Club
North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Little River
