Love Handles Exercises: Do They Work? (St. Petersburg)

Can exercises remove love handles?

Exercises strengthen the oblique and core muscles under your love handles, but research mostly shows that exercise cannot burn fat from one chosen spot. Fat loss happens across the whole body, not just where you work the muscle. A few small studies suggest a small local effect, so it is not impossible, but most evidence points to overall fat reduction rather than spot reduction.

That does not mean exercise is pointless. Strengthening your obliques, lower back and core improves posture, stability and the muscle tone underneath the fat. If you lose fat overall through diet and activity, stronger muscles will show through more clearly. Exercises like side planks, Russian twists, bicycle crunches and woodchops build that foundation.

Why love handles are stubborn

The fat on your flanks and lower back is stubborn because your body stores fat unevenly. Genetics, hormones and where you naturally carry weight all play a role. For many people, the midsection and love handles are the last places fat comes off, even with consistent diet and exercise. That is why someone can feel fit everywhere else and still have pinchable fat at the waistline.

Exercise alone may not change that pattern. You can reduce overall body fat, build muscle and improve your shape, but the love handles may stay longer than you want.

How Cryo Body Sculpting helps

Cryo Body Sculpting at KRIDO Wellness is designed to reduce stubborn fat in specific areas, including the flanks and lower back. It uses controlled cooling, followed by red light therapy and manual lymphatic drainage massage. Many clients notice a visible change after their first session, with results building over a course of 5 to 10 sessions. On average, clients see 0.5 to 1 inch of reduction in the first session. Results vary.

This is body sculpting, not weight loss. The treatment focuses on shape, inches and skin quality. Many clients feel leaner and more defined even when their weight stays the same. Each of our estheticians has 30 years of esthetics experience, and we measure your progress in inches at every session so you see real numbers, not guesswork.

What a session looks like

Your first visit starts with a consultation. We measure and assess the area, then do your first Cryo Body Sculpting session. The session takes about an hour. You feel alternating warmth and cold, which most clients find comfortable and relaxing. After the cooling treatment, we apply red light therapy, which research suggests may support skin quality, then finish with lymphatic drainage massage. There is no downtime. You can return to your normal routine right after.

For best results, we ask you to avoid sugar and highly processed fats for 2 hours before your session, and avoid sugars and refined carbohydrates for 2 hours after. Light movement like walking after your session is encouraged.

Real client results

After debating for a few years to book a treatment like abdominal cryotherapy, I am so unbelievably happy that I chose KRIDO and Amber! She is so informational, trustworthy and talented. My results are everything I hoped for & I will absolutely be back for more.

Rebecca Duncan, Google review

KRIDO Wellness is awesome. I’d recommend them for facials, fat reduction/skin tightening for your body or face, and even permanent make up. Kristina, the owner, is absolutely incredible and truly cares so much about KRIDO, her team, and her clients. Both women and men would be happy they checked out KRIDO Wellness in Downtown St Pete.

Chase Shelly, Google review

How many sessions?

Many clients notice a visible change after the first session, and results build with each treatment. We typically recommend at least 3 sessions for subtle refinement, 5 for visible change, and 10 for a complete course with deeper fat reduction and more refined, consistent results. Your plan will be personalized at your consultation based on your goals and the area being treated.

Pricing and packages

Each Cryo Body Sculpting session is $299. A 5-pack is $1,300 ($260 per session), and a 10-pack is $2,300 ($230 per session). Every session includes cryo, red light therapy and lymphatic drainage. Packages are valid for 12 months.

How this compares to other options

For medical procedures like liposuction or injectables, talk to a medical provider. Cryo Body Sculpting is a non-invasive option that focuses on shape and skin quality in specific areas.

What to combine with body sculpting

Cryo Body Sculpting works best when you keep your weight stable and stay active. It refines areas that do not respond well to diet and exercise, but it is not a replacement for healthy habits. Clients who maintain consistent activity and nutrition see longer-lasting results. Light movement after each session, like walking, is encouraged.

Location and booking

KRIDO Wellness is in downtown St. Petersburg at IMAGE Studios, 11 7th St N, Suite 220. We serve St. Petersburg, Gulfport, South Pasadena, Pinellas Park, St Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Seminole and surrounding areas. Free 3-hour parking is available right in front on 7th Street North.

You can book your consultation and first session at kridowellness.com/book. Your consultation is with one of our estheticians who performs this treatment, so your plan comes from someone who knows the work. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM, by appointment. Text or call 727-513-3925 if you have questions or need help finding a time.

Frequently asked questions

Can side exercises burn love handle fat?

Research mostly shows that exercise cannot burn fat from one spot. Side exercises strengthen your oblique muscles, which is valuable, but fat loss happens across the whole body through overall calorie balance.

How does Cryo Body Sculpting reduce love handles?

Controlled cooling is designed to reduce stubborn fat in the flanks and lower back, followed by red light therapy and lymphatic drainage. Many clients notice visible change after the first session, with results building over 5 to 10 sessions.

Is there downtime after a body sculpting session?

No. You can return to your normal routine immediately after. Most clients find the treatment comfortable and relaxing, with no need for recovery time.

How many sessions do I need for love handles?

Most clients start with at least 3 sessions. Many clients see visible change by five sessions, and 10 sessions make a full course for deeper, more refined results. Your plan will be personalized at your consultation.

Can I combine body sculpting with exercise?

Yes. Cryo Body Sculpting refines areas that do not respond well to diet and exercise. Clients who stay active and keep their weight stable tend to hold their results longer.