3 Oblique Exercises For Women Who Want Sexier Abs

Oblique muscles are very important to target for sexier abs and should not be forgotten in your workouts.

They form part of the core muscles and are located situated up and down our sides so internally on the lateral and anterior parts of the abdomen.

They serve as stabilizers and are used and engaged during core and compound movements so it’s important to keep them strong.

RUSSIAN OBLIQUE TWISTS

From an upright seated position, lean back slightly to engage the abdominals. You can keep your heels on the ground (lifting the heel is also an option as it just makes the exercise harder).

While holding a weight, dumbbell or medicine ball between both hands, you twist the trunk to bring the weight down and sideways towards the floor.

Twist the trunk back to the centre and repeat on the other side, always turning as far back and downwards as you can.

If you feel any back pain, that means your leaning too far back and not engaging the abdominal enough, so sit a little further upright to avoid the lower back pain. Do the exercises for 3 sets 10 reps on each side OR repeat till failure in a circuit.

HIP SWINGS

Starting in a plank position, with your hands below your shoulders, control your hip swing movement and aim to bring your hips down to the side towards the floor.

Lower as far as your flexibility will take you. It’s very important not to arch or use your lower back, but keep the core steady and controlled always during the movement.

Your body weight should not be on your arms but more body weight is on the hips so the muscles work even harder. Do this exercise for 3 sets with 10 Hip Swings on each side OR till failure in a circuit.

SIDE PLANK LIFTS

In a side plank position, keeping your forearm flat on the floor and your elbow positioned directly under your shoulder, your body should be in a straight line from your shoulders to your hips to your knees and feet. Keep one leg on top of the other for this.

Then engage the abdominal and lift the hips off the floor as high up as you can, and lower back down again.

Keep your free hand on your hip to avoid using it on the floor to help you cheat. Repeat this exercise for 3 sets with 15 lifts on each side.