Waist/Love Handles

Before You Start—First Consult Your Diabetes Team

If you are not exercising regularly, or if it has been a long time since you have done so, first make sure you discuss your plans with your doctor, and have a medical exam before beginning regular exercise. Your health care team will be able to evaluate your diabetes control and cardiovascular fitness, recommend what types of exercise are best for you, and make possible adjustments to your meal plan or medication regimen prior to starting any activity.

Tackling this part is easier than you may think. These simple exercises use the resistance of your own body weight to target and isolate your obliques.

Side Bend Without Weights

1. Stand straight, with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding your chin parallel to the floor. Interlock your fingers behind your head, with your elbows pointing out.
2. Turn your head to the right, looking over your right shoulder. Slowly bend to the right, keeping the arms in place.
3. Repeat, turning to the left side.
4. For beginners, do one set of 8-10 repetitions per side.
5. If you're more experienced, do 2-3 sets of 8-10 repetitions per side.

Side Bend With Weights

1. Stand with legs shoulder-width apart, hands extended to each side, holding a dumbbell (2-3 pounds).
2. Bend slowly to the right side and hold for 3-5 seconds.
3. Repeat, turning to the left side.
4. For beginners, do one set of 8-10 repetitions per side.
5. If you're more experienced, do 2-3 sets of 8-10 repetitions per side and use 3-5 pound dumbbells.

Important Notice:Information provided is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any health care questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to health care issues.