Written by Anne Praino, Account Manager
February has arrived — the season of crisp days, chilly nights and a touch of romance in the air. The drop in temperature often tempts us with comforting, hearty meals, and then Cupid makes his grand entrance on the 14th, bringing sweet treats and, sometimes, that iconic heart-shaped box of chocolates. But those indulgences don’t have to linger on your waistline. While “love handles” might sound cute, they’re not the kind of love we want to hold onto. So, this February, let’s celebrate the season of love by showing a little extra affection to our obliques, and give our core the attention it deserves.
Often called “love handles,” the obliques do far more than add definition to your waistline — they play a vital role in your health and overall performance. These muscles consist of two main parts: the internal and external obliques. Located alongside your abdominal muscles, they run from the hips to the rib cage and are essential for core strength. Strong obliques help you bend side to side, rotate your torso and maintain spinal stability and protection. When they work in harmony with your abdominal muscles, you build a stronger core, improve balance and support better posture. Training these muscles isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s key for a toned midsection and a healthy, stable back1.
Most muscles that attach to the spine contribute to good posture, and the obliques are no exception. These side muscles work in harmony with your deep core, including the transverse abdominis, to keep your spine aligned and your body upright. When your obliques are weak, slouching becomes easier, which can lead to back strain — especially during long hours at a desk. Strengthening them helps stabilize your torso, support your spine and reduce the risk of back pain, making them essential for both posture and overall core health2.
Meet the standing oblique crunch, our February exercise to help tackle those love handles! This simple yet powerful move targets your obliques while improving posture and mobility. Best of all, it’s back-friendly and requires no floor work – no mats, no getting up and down – making it perfect for the office or anyone with limited mobility. Here’s how to do it: Stand tall with feet slightly wider than hip-width and keep your knees soft. Engage your core as if zipping up snug jeans. Place your fingertips lightly behind your head without pulling on your neck, with elbows wide and chest lifted. Draw your right knee out to the side while bringing your right elbow down toward it — think “ribs to hip.” Return to standing tall, then repeat on the left side. Exhale as you crunch, inhale as you reset and avoid yanking your neck or collapsing your chest for proper form.
Join us this February for NFP’s “Lose the Love Handles — Keep the Love” Challenge. We’re kicking things off with 10 reps per side in week one and adding five reps each week. By week four, we will finish strong with 25 reps per side. Need to break it into a couple of sets? No problem — make it work for you. As always, consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. This month, let’s show our core some love and break up with those love handles once and for all!
