Deepika Padukone's trainer shares three standing exercises to get rid of love handles

Struggling to get rid of those stubborn love handles that just won’t go away, no matter how many crunches you do? You’re not alone. The fat around the sides of your waist, often called "muffin tops" can be one of the hardest areas to tone. But the good news is, you don’t have to spend hours lying on a mat to work your obliques. Celebrity fitness trainer Yasmin Karachiwala, who trains stars like Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Preity Zinta, and others, has shared three simple standing exercises that will set your obliques on fire, and you’ll definitely feel them the next day.

Before diving into the moves, Yasmin reminds everyone that there’s no such thing as spot reduction. You can’t lose fat from one area alone, it requires a combination of clean eating, regular workouts, and consistency. So, what exactly are love handles? They’re the pinchable fat deposits at the sides of your waist. Unlike visceral fat (the deep abdominal fat that causes a belly bulge), love handles sit closer to the skin and are more stubborn to burn. That’s why it takes a mix of cardio, strength, and targeted core training to get results.


Yasmin Karachiwala’s three effective standing moves:

1. Kettlebell Windmill (3 sets x 12 reps) - Hold a kettlebell overhead with one hand, keeping your feet slightly apart. Slowly bend at the waist to touch the opposite foot while keeping your eyes on the kettlebell. This strengthens your obliques and improves balance.

2. Kettlebell Side Bend + Elbow to Knee (3 sets x 12 reps) – Hold the kettlebell in one hand. Bend sideways toward the weight, then lift your knee to meet your opposite elbow. This move sculpts your sides and engages your core muscles deeply.

3. Medicine Ball Twist (3 sets x 12 reps) – Hold a medicine ball in front of you, feet hip-width apart. Rotate your torso side to side, keeping your abs tight. This exercise boosts rotational strength and helps define your waistline.

Each of these moves can be done from the comfort of your home with minimal equipment. Yasmin recommends focusing on form and breathing instead of speed. “Quality over quantity always wins,” she advises.


Who is Yasmin Karachiwala?

Yasmin Karachiwala is one of India’s most trusted names in fitness today. Interestingly, she wasn’t always passionate about working out, she attended her first class only because a friend pushed her to. But that one session changed everything. In 1991, she became one of India’s first certified fitness instructors, paving the way for modern training techniques and introducing Pilates to Bollywood’s biggest stars.

Over the years, she has helped redefine what it means to be strong and fit, especially for women. Her secret? Staying consistent, training smart, and finding joy in movement. And with these three moves, she’s proving that even your most stubborn love handles don’t stand a chance. Stay tuned for more such easy yet effective exercises!