Best Oblique Workout

Obliques are the muscles that people know by their look, but not by their name. You can see oblique on either side of six pack assuming that you have a thin fat layer on your body. I will describe exercises that do not require any special fitness equipment, although it is possible to have a oblique workout with weights

Get down on the floor on one of your sides. Position your upper arm under the shoulder athwart to your body. Put your legs together, so that you balance your whole body on one leg. Carefully bring the pelvis up from the floor. Keep your back straight, do not twist it. Then bring your pelvis back to the floor. You can also modify this to my personal favorite - a side plank. This exercise requires you to keep your back straight and pelvis off the floor for up to two minutes. For fitness beginners this isometric version might be bit too hard, so start with side bridges.

Lay on your back with legs on the stable stool or chair. Put your hands behind your head for extra support and bring forward and up one side of your torso. The elbow moves towards the opposite knee. Although your shoulder blade lifts up from floor, but the main motion is twisting. That is why these crunches work obliques so well. Then slowly return to the starting position. Avoid uncontrolled motions, because they can irritate your shoulders and neck.

In case you choose to utilize dumbbells, levers or cable machines, do not overdo high volume workouts with heavy weights, because they will not give great strength gains. Besides that, you might mess up your back or get thick waist that ruins waist to shoulders ration. Good alternative is to exercise your obliques with three rep sets. Use very heavy weights and you will get stronger, but the waist will not grow.

Side bridges and twisting crunches can be done every day, if you want. Exercises with added weights should be used every other day to give the muscles some time to recover.

Check out a health of your backbone before you attempt the exercises. If you are not sure, consult a doctor. Anything that is similar to twisting or bending of spine might be dangerous, especially if there have been some previous back injuries. Be careful with your spine.