I'm sure, given the choice, we'd all happily trade in our love handles for a six pack. Unfortunately it's not that easy. It only gets worse before it gets better. Most people do targeted love handle exercise (i.e. crunches) to reduce fat, with no results. This type of exercise is known as “spot reducing.” While such exercise helps, it is not going to give you that lean, rippled look when abdominal muscle is hidden under a thick padding of fat. Yes, even if you do 1000 every day.

To understand why, it is important to look at how the body deals with body fat. Fat in one place belongs to the whole body, no matter where it is. You cannot selectively lose fat in the body part of your choice, instead, fat is lost systemically. Fat is lost from all over your body, and there is no way you can determine where the fat will be lost from. Therefore losing love handles requires patience, but it's a goal that is definitely achievable.

Any love handle exercise should aim to lose body fat and build muscle. Losing body fat will allow you to lose overall body weight, and this will most likely lead to a waist size reduction. Love handles generally begin to disappear at 12% body fat for men, and 20% body fat for women.

Ways to lose overall body fat:

• A balanced and fat reduced diet will work well in your favor.
• Cardio workouts such as a jog, swim, aerobics class, or run on a treadmill will help you melt away the fat. The main thing to remember about weight loss cardio workouts is that they should be 20-30 minutes in duration, 3-4 times a week. It is also really important that you choose an activity that's fun for you. You'll be more likely to stick to it, and get optimum results.
• Generally people tend to lose fat where we first pile it on. So be patient, your love handles will disappear with persistence.
• Exercises like lying pelvic lifts and crunches will help to tone and strengthen muscle under the fat.

Losing love handles is not an easy task. Remember that for any love handle exercise to work, overall body fat needs to be reduced. Spot reducing won't really work to get rid of love handles. Also any exercise program needs to be accompanied by a sensible diet.