Achieve strong obliques with these exercises
What's the story
The obliques are an important part of your core, helping you twist and bend. Strengthening them can improve your posture and reduce the risk of injuries. Here are five exercises that specifically target the obliques, making them stronger and more stable. They are easy to do and require no special equipment, making them perfect for anyone looking to improve their core strength.
Tip 1
Side plank with rotation
The side plank with rotation is an advanced version of the basic side plank. It works on the obliques by adding a rotational movement. Start in a side plank position, then rotate your torso forward and back under your body. This exercise improves the rotational strength of the core, while also working on the shoulders and hips.
Tip 2
Russian twists
Russian twists are a great way to engage both sides of your obliques at once. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and lean back slightly. Hold your hands together in front of you and twist your torso from side to side, tapping the floor beside you each time. This exercise can be done with or without weights for added resistance.
Tip 3
Bicycle crunches
Bicycle crunches are a classic core exercise that targets the obliques effectively. Lie on your back with hands behind your head, lift your legs off the ground in a tabletop position. Bring one elbow towards the opposite knee while extending the other leg outwards, mimicking a pedaling motion. Alternate sides continuously for several repetitions.
Tip 4
Woodchoppers
Woodchoppers mimic the motion of chopping wood, engaging multiple muscle groups including the obliques. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a weight or medicine ball above one shoulder. Bring it down across your body to the opposite hip, twisting through your core as you do so. Repeat on both sides for balanced strength development.
Tip 5
Standing oblique crunches
Standing oblique crunches allow you to work your obliques without having to lie down. Stand tall with hands behind head, lift one knee towards elbow while bending sideways slightly at the waist level, engaging those muscles effectively throughout each repetition before switching legs accordingly after completing desired sets per session plan.