Arielle's Fitness Blog
by Arielle Novak, Fitness Expert

With so much to do and so little time, sometimes our obliques get neglected! Oblique muscles are your side abdominal muscles (between your ribcage and hips). Obliques aid in lateral flexion (bending to the side), and rotating your trunk. The theme of the next 3 exercises is rotation! Get ready to twist and sculpt! If your current abdominal workout has you lying down on your back often, these 3 oblique drills will be a nice way to add some variety to your current routine.

The Rotator:

Begin with your stance wider than hip-width apart. Bend your knees and lower down about halfway so that you are in a wide stance squat. Hands are behind your head.


Rotate your torso to the right diagonal and lower toward your right thigh.


Sets and Repetitons:

Set 1: 8X right, 8X left.
Set 2: Repeat (optional)

Squat-Lift-Twist:

Begin with your stance hip-width apart and squat.


Lift your knee up and simultaneously rotate your torso toward your lifted knee.


Sets and Repetitions:
Set 1: 8X right, 8X left
Set 2: Repeat

Oblique Climber :

Begin in a high plank with your shoulders aligned over your wrists.


Bring your right knee toward your left elbow. Return your right leg to its starting position. Then switch sides, and bring your left knee to your right elbow. Work at a pace that is comfortable for you and that will allow you to maintain good form. You can add speed over time.


Sets and Repetitions:

Set 1: Alternate R,L 8X
Set 2: Repeat (optional)

Let me know in the comments how you liked these exercises!