8 Moves to Work Your Love Handles During Pregnancy

Everytime I get pregnant, it seems as if all of the weight goes straight to my HIPS aka “love handles.” Apparently, I am not the only one, either! I have countless pregnant ladies ask me what are some safe, effective moves to work the love handles during pregnancy so I decided to create a fun at home prenatal love handle workout for you all!

Keep in mind that this workout is great for EVERYONE looking to reduce their love handles-not just for the preggo ladies!

Standing Side Crunches: 3 sets of 20 reps (alternating sides)

Stand straight upward with your hands behind your head. Slowly bend to the left side as far down as you can (without feeling any pain or discomfort). Slowly come back upward, pause, and bend to the right side. Repeat.

Dumbbell Side Bends: 3 sets of 10 reps (each side)

Grabbing a 5lb or 10lb dumbbell, bend slowly to the left and hold it for a second. Let your body guide you and listen to your body to know how far down to bend. Slowly come back upward. Repeat and switch sides.

Side Plank: 60 seconds (each side)

Lie on side on mat. Place forearm on mat under shoulder perpendicular to body. Place upper leg directly on top of lower leg and straighten knees and hips. Raise body upward by straightening waist so body is ridged. Hold position. Repeat with opposite side.

Side Plank Hip Dips: 3 sets of 10 reps (per side)

Start in a side plank position with your elbow touching the ground. Drop your hips toward the floor, squeezing your obliques as you bring them back up. Repeat and switch sides.

Dumbbell Side Bend Variation #2: 3 sets of 20 reps (per side)

Stand with your feet 2-3 inches further than hip width apart.Keeping your hips facing forward, raise the dumbbell above your head (holding it with both hands). Drop your upper body to the right, shifting your weight and hips to the right. Keep your arms up and don’t let the weight drop below your head. Lift back up, returning to the top but keep the weight above your head. Repeat, alternating sides.

Dumbbell Elbows to Knees Side Crunches: 3 sets of 20 reps (alternating sides)

Similar to the move above, follow the directions the same way. The only difference with this move is that you will pick up the knee of the side you are bending toward. For example, if you are bending to your left, pick up your left knee and bring it to meet the dumbbell. Note: they don’t have to touch, but go as far as you can without having to strain or feel discomfort.

Modified Woodchoppers 3 sets of 10 reps (per side)

Standing tall, with feet shoulder width apart, hold a dumbbell with both hands. Engage your core and reach dumbbell straight over to one shoulder, tilting your body a bit. Bring the dumbbell downward in a quick chopping motion toward the opposite hip. Instead of bending down for a traditional woodchopper, you will simply bring your opposite knee upward as you bring the dumbbell down in a diagonal motion. Repeat and switch sides.

Standing Side Reaches 3 sets of 10 reps (per side)

This move is similar to a stretch and feels very nice! Slowly bend to the right side with your left arm extending overhead and over as if you are trying to touch the opposite side of your body. Your right hand/arm can rest beneath or on your belly. Hold for 5 seconds and feel the stretch. Repeat and switch sides.