How to Tone the Stomach With Oblique Twists

Oblique twists are used to strengthen and tone the muscles along the sides of your stomach. They are one of the most effective ways to tighten the problem areas of your stomach, though it is important to remember that is generally ineffective to focus on just one part of your stomach, or body for that matter. Incorporating oblique twists into a full-body workout routine is the best way to see results.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Exercise stability ball (optional)

1. Prepare to do a regular crunch by lying down on the floor and bending your knees at a comfortable angle. Put your hands behind your head, but remember that it is important not to strain your neck by trying to lift it with your hands. All of the work in oblique twists should primarily be done using the oblique muscles.
2. Twist your body as you lift your upper torso off the floor. Point your left elbow at your right knee and then return to the resting position. Repeat the same motion, except point your right elbow at your left knee.
3. Do a set of ten repetitions, doing five on each side of your oblique muscles. The more oblique twists you do, the more repetitions you will be able to add to each set over time. It is best to start out with a relatively small number of repetitions to ensure that you are using the proper technique and so that you do not become discouraged.
4. Try an alternate method of doing oblique twists by sitting down on the ground with your left leg crossed over your right leg, placing the sole of your left foot flat on the floor. Extend your right leg out fully. Twist your body so that your left elbow almost touches your right knee.
5. Turn your entire body so that you are facing to the right. You should feel tightness in your left oblique muscles. This is an ideal way to stretch the oblique muscles while you tone them.
6. Use an exercise stability ball while doing oblique twists to make the workout a little more difficult. Perform a regular oblique twist while lying on the floor, but hold the exercise ball above your head and move it out to the front of your body as you lift up your torso. This will add an additional tension to your oblique muscles due to the increased amount of resistance from the ball.

Tips & Warnings

• Use oblique twists and other abdominal exercises in combination with cardiovascular exercise to burn fat and tone your muscles at the same time.