How to Tone Obliques

The oblique muscles are located along the side from the front of the hips to the ribs. Working the obliques is an effective way to reduce the waistline and achieve a better-looking figure. Most health clubs have a machine to work the obliques, but it's often not used correctly. It's safer and more effective to use a variation of the crunch.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Lie on your back and place your hands behind your head. Keep your elbows even with your ears so you don't pull on your neck as you perform the exercise. Point your chin toward the ceiling.

2. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor.

3. Twist your torso so your knees fall to the left. Your left leg should rest on the floor. Keep your right leg stacked on top of the left. Keep your knees bent.

4. Raise your shoulders off the floor as far as you can, hold for a moment, then lower them back onto the floor. Repeat until you feel the oblique muscles become fatigued.

5. Twist your torso to the right side, resting your right leg on the floor and keeping your left leg stack on top of the right. Do the same number of crunches on this side.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of twisting your torso to let your legs rest on the floor, keep your knees up and feet on the floor. As you perform the crunch, twist your torso as if trying to touch your right elbow to your left knee.
• No amount of oblique crunches will trim your waist if you are carrying too much body fat.

Resources

• Find more exercises for the obliques on Best Abs Exercises.

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