How To Work Out Your Obliques

The obliques are one of the most overlooked muscle groups on the body. Most people focus strictly on the rectus abdominis – muscles that define the highly sought after 6-pack abs. Failing to incorporate workouts that target the obliques, however, will leave your sides weak and vulnerable to injury. So, what type of workouts can you perform to target the obliques?

Obliques and Why They Are Important

The obliques are located on the left and right sides of the torso. They are the largest of the three lateral anterior abdomen muscles. The oblique muscles’ function is to pull the chest down while simultaneously compressing the abdominal cavity.

Of course, the obliques also provide support and stabilization for the core, which is essential for individuals with high levels of physical activity. Omitting this key muscle group from your workout routine will come back to haunt you in the long run. As your other muscles develop, your sides (obliques) will be left weak.

Oblique Workouts

There are dozens of different oblique workouts, some of which are easy while others are more difficult. Arguably, one of the easiest workouts for targeting this muscle group is the side plank. The side plank is a plyometric workout in which you lay down on the floor with your side facing downwards while holding your body up with one forearm. The easiest way to describe a side plank is to position yourself in a pushup position and then shift your body to the side.

Hold the side plank for as long as physically possible before releasing and allowing yourself to rest for 2-3 minutes. When you are finished resting, flip and repeat the process on your other side.

Another powerful workout that targets the oblique muscles is the dumbbell side bend. While holding a weighted dumbbell in one hand, bend your body to the side and lower the dumbbell slightly closer to the floor. You should bend your body as far to the side as possible, but don’t attempt to bend your knees. When performed correctly, you’ll feel the obliques contracting – a sign that your dumbbell side bends are targeting the obliques. Rinse and repeat on the opposite side.

These are just a few easy-to-perform workouts that target the obliques. Feel free to implement other exercises not mentioned here. By adding these workouts into your normal routine, you’ll build stronger obliques and an overall stronger set of core muscles.