Oblique muscles are very important in sculpting a tapered midsection, and also in developing a strong stomach which helps in body balance and stability. Oblique workouts for a stronger abdomen are therefore intended to strengthen the oblique muscles. Rotating sit-ups is one of the best oblique workouts, which is actually a modification of the normal sit-ups. In this workout, you rotate from side to side every time you sit up. It is important that the feet be anchored by tucking them under a stable object or have someone hold them down, so as to make the exercise safer. You can make rotating sit-ups more challenging by holding a weighted ball over the chest so as to create more resistance.
Another oblique workout for a stronger abdomen is known as cross crunch. During this workout, you should lie on a mat and bend the knees, while keeping the feet fixed on the floor. You should then bring the left leg up and cross it over the right leg, resting the left ankle against the right thigh. However, you can start with the right foot too. You should then place your hands behind the head for support, and then start by raising your right shoulder off the floor and twisting the midsection to the left. Then, you should bring your right elbow towards the right knee. During the exercise, you should push the lower back into the floor and squeeze the abdominals very hard. You can hold for 2 to 4 counts at the top of the movement and then resume to the starting point as you inhale. Do this for about 10 times and then switch sides for about 4 sets.
The V-Twist is another useful oblique workouts for a stronger abdomen. The exercise is done as you lie on your back on the floor, bending your knees at a 90 degrees angle. Start by raising your feet off the floor, such that the lower leg is parallel to the floor. Then, you should cross the arms over the chest and straighten your legs until they are about 45 degrees with the floor, pointing them to the left. While still at this, crunch up and twist to the right while extending your arms forward and stay in that position for at least 5 seconds. Resume to the starting position slowly and do the same for the other side. Repeat this for about 10 times making sure that you maintain proper body posture and alignment while doing the workout.
Bicycle crunches is one of the most effective oblique workouts for a stronger abdomen. The workout involves lying on your back on an exercise mat and performing crunch twists while still pedaling the legs. Start the workout with the knees bent, and the hands placed behind the head. The legs should also be lifted. Then, lift your shoulder and twist the right elbow towards the left knee while extending your right leg. Switch to the other side without lowering the shoulders and repeat the exercise at least 15 times per side. For better results do this exercise for about 2 to 5 times weekly.
Standing rotations is another type of oblique workouts for a stronger abdomen which is done with an exercise band or weight attached to a cable and pulley system. The weight or band is secured at waist level. This workout is done while standing upright with the feet spread shoulder width apart. Start by working the right oblique muscle with the band on the right side. Grip the handle with the right hand, planting it firmly against the middle of the right side of the trunk. While keeping the hips and feet facing forward, rotate the trunk towards the left. Then switch sides.
Oblique workouts for a stronger abdomen can also be done through dumbbell side bend exercise. This workout is done while standing upright with the legs spread shoulder-width apart. A dumbbell is held in one hand while the other hand is rested on the hip. Then, you should bend at the waist to the side that has dumbbell while inhaling. You should make sure that only the upper part of the body is moving, and also that the knees do not fold inward. Moreover; you should make sure that you bend straight sideways and not forward or backwards. Return to the starting position while you exhale, and pull your body up by contracting the oblique muscles which are opposite to the dumbbell. Do this for at least 10 times and then switch sides for about 4 sets.
