How to Do Side Leg Raises for Obliques

If you are far from loving your love handles, trying some abdominal exercises might change both how you look and how you feel about yourself. Do two different versions of side leg raises for more toned obliques.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Exercise mat
• Table or chair

Standing Side Leg Raises

1. Position yourself directly behind a chair, table or other piece of furniture that you can use for balance. Stand up with your spine straight and your feet slightly apart. Grasp the table or chair with both hands.
2. Keep your back and legs straight and lift your right leg out to the side, 6 to 12 inches off the ground. Keep your toes pointed forward. Hold this position for several seconds.
3. Bring your leg back to rest on the ground in a slow, controlled movement.
4. Lift your left leg slowly to the left side, 6 to 12 inches off the ground. Hold this for several seconds. Return your leg to the ground slowly.
5. Do as many repetitions of the standing side leg raises as your health will allow. As your balancing ability increases, you can stop holding on to the chair or table during the exercise.

Lying Side Leg Raises

6. Lie down on your mat on your right side. Stack your left leg right on top of your right leg. Stretch your right arm flat out from your body in a 90-degree angle. Bend your left arm at the elbow and place your left hand behind your head.
7. Bend the knees of both your legs slightly. In one movement, lift both of your legs, held together, off the floor. At the same time lift your left shoulder and head off the floor with the strength of your obliques.
8. Lift your left shoulder and your legs off the ground towards each other in a quick but deliberate squeezing motion.
9. Bring your legs and shoulders back to rest on the ground for a second, then raise them into another side leg raise. Repeat about 7 more times on your right side.
10. Roll over onto your left side, stack your legs and support your head with your right hand. Lift your right shoulder and both of your legs together in a squeezing motion and bring them slowly to rest back on the ground. Complete the set and do additional sets as your body strength allows.

Tips & Warnings

• Standing leg raises are ideal for those who don't have good balance or are simply out of shape. Switch to lying side leg raises when you have gained strength and stamina.
• Make this exercise a part of an entire obliques strengthening and toning routine.
• Use your obliques to complete the lifting motion, instead of placing risky pressure on your neck.