Add These Oblique Exercises To Your Next Ab Workout

The obliques are the muscles surrounding your abs just below the pectoralis major (chest). The external obliques are the muscles that appear over your ribs. The internal obliques lie between the external and the rectus abdominis (abs). Isolating these muscles safely will make your torso stronger and look great!

The first exercise to start working into your ab routine is an oblique crunch. This will work the bulk of your core muscles putting an emphasis on your obliques. You’ll need a flat bench if you’re at the gym, or a chair will work just fine if you’re at home.

Lie flat on the floor with your feet on the bench. You want the distance of your body from the bench to create approximately a 90-degree angle in your knees.

With one hand behind your head and your opposite arm extended, begin to crunch moving your bent elbow toward the opposite knee. Try doing 12-15 on each side.

An elevated side plank is a great obliques exercise that will provide a challenge for your whole body. Using the same bench or chair you’ll put your feet on their sides, one on top of the other. Lift your body up, anchored by your forearm. If you’re still a beginner doing this exercise on the floor is a better choice for you.

Whether you are elevated or on the floor, the goal is to keep your body straight from you ankles to your neck. Try holding this for 30 seconds. Try super setting an elevated side plank with another ab exercise. An example would be doing leg lifts and without resting, go right into the side plank.

Mixing up the exercises in your workouts will keep your body guessing and help you to reach your goals. Remember to continue strength training, incorporate some cardio, and of course, maintain a healthy diet.