Get ready to sculpt a strong and toned core with these 15 killer oblique exercises! From twists and bends to side planks and Russian twists, this article has all the moves you need to target those hard-to-reach muscles and build a rock-solid midsection.
Top 15 Oblique Exercises to Strengthen Your Core
If you’re looking to amp up your core workout, you’ve come to the right place! Give these top 15 oblique exercises a try and strengthen your core like never before. These exercises are not only effective but also fun to do, so get ready to unleash your core strength and sculpt those abs!
Amp Up Your Core Workout
Are you bored with your usual core routine? It’s time to spice things up with some dynamic core exercises that will challenge your midsection in new and exciting ways. These exercises involve twisting, rotating, and moving your body in different directions, engaging your obliques and deep core muscles.
Dynamic Core Exercises for a Stronger Midsection
One exercise that is sure to kick things up a notch is the Russian Twist. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and heels on the ground. Hold a weight or medicine ball in front of your chest and twist your torso from side to side, touching the weight to the ground on either side. This exercise targets your obliques and helps improve rotational strength.
Another great exercise to add to your routine is the Bicycle Crunch. Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your legs in a tabletop position. Twist your torso and bring your right elbow towards your left knee while extending your right leg out. Repeat on the opposite side. This exercise not only targets your obliques but also engages your entire core.
Challenging Variations of Traditional Planks
Planks are a classic exercise for your core, but why not take it up a notch with some challenging variations? One variation to try is the Side Plank with a Twist. Start in a side plank position with your feet stacked and your forearm on the ground. Rotate your torso and reach your top arm underneath your body, twisting your core. This exercise targets your obliques and helps improve core stability.
Another plank variation to incorporate into your routine is the Plank Jack. Start in a high plank position and jump your feet wide, then jump them back together. This exercise not only engages your obliques but also works your shoulders, chest, and legs.
Unleash Your Core Strength with These Unique Moves
If you’re tired of the same old exercises, it’s time to try something new and unique. One exercise that will challenge your core in a whole new way is the Spiderman Push-up. Start in a push-up position and as you lower yourself down, bring your right knee towards your right elbow. Repeat on the opposite side. This exercise targets your obliques, chest, and arms, giving you a full-body workout.
Another unique exercise to try is the Slider Mountain Climber. Start in a high plank position with sliders (or use towels) under your feet. Alternate bringing your knees towards your chest, one at a time, while keeping your core engaged. This exercise not only targets your obliques but also works your shoulders, chest, and legs.
Mastering Core Stability and Control
In addition to building strength, it’s important to focus on core stability and control. These exercises will help improve your balance and posture, while also strengthening your obliques and deep core muscles.
Enhance Your Core Stability with the Bear Crawl
The Bear Crawl is a great exercise to improve core stability and control. Get into a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the ground. Lift your knees off the ground, keeping them close to the floor. Crawl forward and backward, engaging your core and obliques. This exercise not only targets your obliques but also works your shoulders, back, and legs.
Another exercise that will challenge your core stability is the Dead Bug. Lie on your back with your arms extended towards the ceiling and your legs in a tabletop position. Slowly lower your right arm towards the ground while extending your left leg out. Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side. This exercise targets your obliques and helps improve core stability and control.
Strengthen Your Obliques with the Side V-Up
If you’re looking to target your obliques specifically, the Side V-Up is the exercise for you. Lie on your side with your legs extended and stacked on top of each other. Place your bottom arm on the ground for stability. Lift your legs and upper body off the ground, reaching towards your top foot with your top arm. Lower back down and repeat on the opposite side. This exercise targets your obliques and helps improve core strength.
Another exercise that will strengthen your obliques is the Medicine Ball Side Throw. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a medicine ball in both hands at your chest. Twist your torso to the right and explosively throw the ball against a solid wall or to a partner. Catch the ball and repeat on the opposite side. This exercise not only targets your obliques but also works your shoulders and arms.
Sculpting Your Abs with Twisting Movements
Twisting movements are not only great for targeting your obliques but also for sculpting your abs. These exercises involve rotation and twisting motions, engaging your obliques and deep core muscles.
Twisting Knee-In: A Powerful Exercise for Your Core
The Twisting Knee-In is a powerful exercise that targets your obliques and abs. Sit on the ground with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and your hands behind your head. Lean back slightly and twist your torso to the right, bringing your right elbow towards your left knee. Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side. This exercise helps improve rotational strength and sculpts your abs.
Another twisting movement to incorporate into your routine is the Russian Rotational Twist. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold a weight or medicine ball in front of your chest. Twist your torso to the right, rotating your hips and shoulders. Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side. This exercise not only targets your obliques but also works your shoulders and back.
Engage Your Obliques with the Forearm Plank Roll
If you’re looking for a challenging exercise that will engage your obliques, give the Forearm Plank Roll a try. Start in a forearm plank position with your elbows under your shoulders and your body in a straight line from head to toe. Roll onto one forearm and stack your feet, lifting your opposite arm towards the ceiling. Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side. This exercise not only targets your obliques but also works your shoulders, chest, and core.
Another great exercise to sculpt your abs and obliques is the Pilates Corkscrew. Lie on your back with your legs extended towards the ceiling. Circle your legs in a smooth, controlled motion, creating a corkscrew-like movement. This exercise targets your obliques and helps improve core strength and stability.
Boost Core Strength and Mobility with the Half-Kneeling Windmill
The Half-Kneeling Windmill is a powerful exercise that not only targets your obliques but also improves core strength and mobility. Begin in a half-kneeling position with your right knee on the ground and your left foot in front of you. Hold a weight or kettlebell in your left hand and extend your right arm towards the ceiling. Slowly bend to the left side, reaching your left hand towards the ground. Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side. This exercise engages your obliques, shoulders, and hips.
Another exercise that will challenge your core and improve mobility is the Standing Twisting Lunge. Start in a lunge position with your left foot forward and your right foot back. Extend your arms in front of you and twist your torso to the left, rotating your upper body. Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side. This exercise not only targets your obliques but also works your legs and improves hip mobility.
Unilateral Exercises for Core Strength and Balance
Unilateral exercises are great for developing core strength, stability, and balance. These exercises involve performing movements with one side of your body at a time, engaging your obliques and deep core muscles.
Unilateral Dumbbell March: A Core-Strengthening Exercise
The Unilateral Dumbbell March is a core-strengthening exercise that targets your obliques and helps improve balance and stability. Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and hold a dumbbell in one hand. Lift your opposite foot off the ground and march in place while keeping your core engaged. This exercise not only targets your obliques but also works your legs and shoulders.
Another unilateral exercise to incorporate into your routine is the Single-Leg Deadlift. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold a dumbbell or kettlebell in one hand. Shift your weight onto one foot and hinge forward at the hips, extending your opposite leg behind you. Lower the weight towards the ground and return to the starting position. This exercise targets your obliques, hamstrings, and glutes.
Enhance Core Stability with the Stability Ball Half Moon
If you’re looking to enhance your core stability and challenge your obliques, the Stability Ball Half Moon is the exercise for you. Start by lying on your side with your legs extended and your feet against a wall. Place a stability ball between your feet and lift your legs off the ground, squeezing the ball. Roll the ball from side to side, engaging your obliques and deep core muscles. This exercise helps improve core stability and balance.
Another exercise that will target your obliques and improve core strength is the Pallof Press. Stand sideways to a cable machine or resistance band attachment and hold the handle with both hands at chest height. Step away from the anchor point to create tension in the cable or band. Rotate your torso away from the anchor point, keeping your core engaged. Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side. This exercise not only targets your obliques but also works your shoulders and arms.
Build Core Strength with the Half-Kneeling Woodchopper
The Half-Kneeling Woodchopper is a powerful exercise that targets your obliques and helps build core strength. Start in a half-kneeling position with your right knee on the ground and your left foot in front of you. Hold a weight or medicine ball in both hands and bring it up and across your body, pivoting on your back foot. Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side. This exercise engages your obliques, back, and shoulders.
Another great exercise to incorporate into your routine is the Single-Arm Side Plank. Start in a side plank position with your feet stacked and your forearm on the ground. Lift your top arm towards the ceiling and hold for a few seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side. This exercise not only targets your obliques but also works your shoulders, back, and hips.
With these top 15 oblique exercises, you have plenty of options to strengthen your core and sculpt your abs. Remember to vary your routine and have fun while doing these exercises. Your core will thank you!