10 Oblique Exercises That Will Give You A Killer Core

Get Ready to Sculpt Your Abs From Every Angle

1. Russian Twists: A Classic Oblique Burner

If you’re looking to target your obliques and strengthen your core, look no further than the classic Russian twist. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Lean back slightly, keeping your back straight. Hold a weight or medicine ball in both hands and twist your torso from side to side, touching the weight to the ground on each side. Feel the burn in your obliques as you work your way through the reps.

2. Side Plank Hip Dips: A Challenging Twist on a Traditional Exercise

Take the traditional side plank up a notch by adding hip dips. Start in a side plank position with your elbow directly under your shoulder and your body in a straight line. Lower your hip down towards the ground and then lift it back up, engaging your obliques. Repeat on the other side to work both sides of your core. This exercise will not only target your obliques but also help improve your stability and balance.

3. Bicycle Crunches: A Dynamic Move for Toned Obliques

Bicycle crunches are a dynamic exercise that engages both your upper and lower abs, as well as your obliques. Lie flat on your back with your hands behind your head and your knees bent. Lift your head, shoulders, and feet off the ground and bring your right elbow towards your left knee while extending your right leg. Alternate sides in a cycling motion, twisting your torso and engaging your obliques with each rep.

4. Woodchoppers: Mimic the Motion of Chopping Wood for Strong Obliques

Woodchoppers are a functional exercise that mimics the motion of chopping wood. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands. Start with the weight at one side of your body and twist your torso as you bring the weight up and across your body, as if you were chopping wood. This exercise targets your obliques, as well as your shoulders and back.

5. Standing Side Crunches: Work Your Obliques Anytime, Anywhere

Standing side crunches are a simple yet effective exercise that can be done anywhere, anytime. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands behind your head. Lift one knee towards your elbow on the same side, engaging your obliques. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. This exercise targets your obliques and helps improve your balance and stability.

6. Side Plank with Leg Lift: A Challenging Exercise for Strong Obliques

If you’re ready to take your side plank to the next level, try adding a leg lift. Start in a side plank position with your elbow directly under your shoulder and your body in a straight line. Lift your top leg up towards the ceiling, engaging your obliques. Lower your leg back down and repeat on the other side. This exercise will not only target your obliques but also engage your glutes and hips.

7. Standing Oblique Crunches: Sculpt Your Abs Without Getting on the Floor

If you prefer to work your obliques without getting on the floor, standing oblique crunches are the exercise for you. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands behind your head. Bend to one side, bringing your elbow towards your hip, and then return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. This exercise targets your obliques and helps improve your balance and stability.

8. Seated Russian Twists: A Variation of the Classic Oblique Exercise

If you’re looking to challenge your obliques even further, try seated Russian twists. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Lean back slightly, keeping your back straight. Hold a weight or medicine ball in both hands and twist your torso from side to side, touching the weight to the ground on each side. This exercise targets your obliques, as well as your shoulders and back.

9. Side Plank Knee Tucks: A Dynamic Exercise for Toned Obliques

Take your side plank to the next level by adding knee tucks. Start in a side plank position with your elbow directly under your shoulder and your body in a straight line. Bend your top knee and bring it towards your chest, engaging your obliques. Extend your leg back out and repeat on the other side. This exercise targets your obliques, as well as your hip flexors and core.

10. Decline Russian Twists: A Challenging Variation for Strong Obliques

If you’re ready for a challenge, try decline Russian twists. Sit on a decline bench with your knees bent and feet secured. Lean back slightly, keeping your back straight. Hold a weight or medicine ball in both hands and twist your torso from side to side, touching the weight to the ground on each side. This exercise targets your obliques, as well as your shoulders and back, while adding an extra challenge with the decline position.