When you think about having a strong core, your first thought might be well-defined abs and a flat stomach, including a chiseled 6-pack. However, the core isn’t just your abs. The core makes up nearly half of the body and includes all the muscles that attach to the pelvis and spine! These muscles are crucial not only for daily tasks but also in continuing to have function and mobility as we age. The core muscles allow us to run, jump, twist, bend, or brace ourselves, and all the core muscles must work together for these functions to happen. For this reason, it’s critical to have a training program that strengthens and builds all these core muscles, including the obliques.
What do the oblique muscles do?
The obliques, which run along the sides of your core, are essential for rotational movements. The obliques work together to help you bend side-to-side, rotate your torso from left to right, and assist with flexing your spine. Having strong obliques also helps to protect your spine. Strengthening your obliques by training them at least several times a week is excellent for your overall health and continued ease of mobility as you age.
3 Oblique Exercises For a Strong Core
There are many oblique exercises, but sometimes too many options are the enemy of simplicity. I love promoting exercises that, while challenging, are simple to do and require little or no equipment. Exercises that are simple and easy to access will always be ones that you’re more apt to perform routinely, and of course, you’ll see and feel results through consistency.
1. Side Bend
Side bends can improve your spinal mobility and help increase the strength and flexibility of the low back and the abdominals. Side bends can be performed without additional weight to start or as a warm-up exercise. Once you’re ready to strengthen and build those oblique muscles further, you can add a set of dumbbells to increase the weight and resistance.
Equipment: Optional set of dumbbells
How to do a side bend stretch:
- Raise your right arm overhead and bend your upper body to the left in a reaching motion.
- Keep your upper body facing straight ahead. Do not twist it to the side as you bend.
- Make sure you feel the muscles gently stretch all along your side from your lower back up to your shoulder.
- Hold for 20 seconds.
How to do a dumbbell side bend:
- Stand up tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold a dumbbell in your right hand with your palm facing your hip, and place your left hand behind your head.
- Bend to your right side, as far as it feels comfortable, and pause.
- Return to an upright position, then repeat the exercise 8 times on the right side.
- Switch the dumbbell to your left hand and repeat the above steps on your left side.
2. Russian Twist
The Russian Twist is a great way to build your core, and as a bonus, the added weight can help to build your shoulders. This is great for those tank-top arms! Many athletes agree that the Russian twist exercise is an excellent way to help with rotational movement. While the Russian Twist may seem like a simple movement, it requires a lot of strength and support. Remember that simply because an exercise may be “simple” doesn’t mean it isn’t hard or challenging. You want a challenge to see change.
Equipment: none necessary or a set of dumbbells
How to do a Russian twist:
- Sit on the floor and bring your legs out straight.
- Lean back slightly so your torso and legs form a V-like shape, bracing your abdominal wall to engage your core.
- Balance in this position and keep your legs stationary.
- Twist your torso from side to side – be careful not to disengage your core when your muscles get tired!
Dumbbell Variation: hold a 5 – 10-pound (or more) dumbbell while performing the above steps.
3. Heel Taps
Heel touches, also known as heel taps, are an amazing isolation exercise that targets the obliques and abs. Heel touches activate most of the primary muscles throughout your midsection, which makes them both a superb oblique exercise along with strengthening your entire core. An added benefit is that heel taps require zero extra equipment!
Equipment: none
How to do heel taps:
- Lie on your back with your heels near your glutes.
- Lift your shoulders off the floor and reach down to touch your right heel with your right hand.
- In a continuous motion, from right to left, touch your left heel with your left hand.
- Left to right count as one rep.
- Do 20-30 reps or as many as you can perform.
- Rest and repeat for a total of 3 (or more) sets.
The Takeaway
Without regular strength training, core muscle fibers shrink and become less flexible. Having firm obliques not only looks good but also supports the back and overall posture. The stronger your obliques and the stronger all your core muscles are, the more likely you are to prevent not only pain but also unnecessary injury. A weak core contributes to poor balance and limited mobility, and both things are major contributors to the risk of being injured from falls. A strong core is a must for a lifetime of a healthy, pain-free, injury-free life!
Equipment for a Stronger Core
Read Next:
Try This Low Impact Workout: The Bar Method
6 Best Ways to Strengthen Your Core
Try These Morning Teas for an Energy Boost
