10 Targeted Floor Exercises to Erase Back and Side Folds

Smooth away bra bulge and love handles by strengthening your postural muscles and activating your deep core. No equipment needed—just your dedication and a mat.

1. Boat with Arm Pull-Back

Lift chest and legs while “flying.” At the peak, bend elbows and squeeze shoulder blades together.

15–20 REPS

Why: Nourishes spinal tissues and flattens upper back folds.

2. Cross-Body Plank Knee

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From a high plank, draw your knee across to the opposite elbow. Keep hips steady.

10–12 REPS PER SIDE

Why: High calorie burn that zeroes in on the “muffin top” zone.

3. Bird-Dog (Hunting Dog)

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On all fours, reach the opposite arm and leg out in a straight line. Maintain a tight core.

10–15 REPS PER SIDE

Why: Builds tiny stabilizing muscles for a flatter, stronger back.

4. Oblique Crunch

Straight Arm Single Leg Sit Up Alternating Single Leg V Sit Ups Single Leg  Raise Crunch V Ups

Lying on back, drive elbow toward opposite knee in a diagonal motion. Control the descent.

10–12 REPS PER SIDE

Why: A classic waist-cincher that tackles love handles.

5. Dynamic Side Plank Reach

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Roll from forearm plank to side plank, reaching toward the ceiling. Alternate sides.

10–12 REPS PER SIDE

Why: Increases blood flow to the waist to accelerate fat oxidation.

6. Swimmer (Floor Butterfly)

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Face down, swoop arms back and forward just above the floor while keeping chest lifted.

15–20 REPS

Why: Strengthens psoas and spinal muscles for better posture.

7. Plank Hip Twists

Plank Hip Dips Exercise Plank Twist Workout Hip Dips Side Plank Workout Plank  Hip Dips Plank

In a forearm plank, rotate hips to tap the floor on each side. Keep head steady.

10–15 REPS PER SIDE

Why: Activates lateral core muscles to carve the sides fast.

8. Seated V-Twist Reach

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Sit with feet hovering. Lean back and reach your hand behind you while twisting.

15–20 REPS TOTAL

Why: Indirectly involves the rectus abdominis for an athletic figure.

9. Side-Lying Rotation

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On your side, pull top knee toward elbow while rotating your torso. Safe for the back.

10–12 REPS PER SIDE

Why: Targets obliques without straining the spine.

10. Side Plank Hip Lift

Side Hip Raises Gif Plank With Alternating Leg Raise Gif Plank Hip Raises  Side Plank

Propped on forearm, dip hips toward the floor then lift straight back up to a line.

10–15 REPS PER SIDE

Why: Pumps the inner and outer contour beams of the waist.
Note: Perform this routine 3–5 times a week for best results.
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