Exercise - Side planks and variations

Side planks

Side planks work your arms, legs, and all your ab muscles, including those along your side where love handles form.

1. Lie on your side and prop yourself up with one arm. Keep the arm bent and your elbow in line with your shoulder.
2. Place one leg on top of the other until your body forms a straight line from head to feet. Then, lift your hips off the ground.
3. As you lift, squeeze your glutes (your butt muscles) and tighten your abs.
4. Hold for around 30 seconds. Then switch to the other side and repeat. As you grow stronger, you can challenge yourself by doing these planks with your supporting arm straight.

Side plank with rotation

This exercise is an advanced version of the basic plank. Combining a side plank with arm movements strengthens your arms, shoulders, and obliques.

1. Lie on your right side with your right forearm below your shoulder. Extend your legs, left foot on top of the right. Tighten your core.
2. Lift your hips to form a straight line with your body. Raise your left arm straight up.
3. Rotate your torso toward the floor and bring your left arm under your body.
4. Rotate your torso again to straighten your left arm to return to the starting position.
5. Start with 1 set of 8 to 12 reps.
6. Repeat on the other side.