For as long as mankind has had mirrors, folks have been trying to get in shape. However, it seems like most people simply have no idea what they need to do specifically to achieve that goal. The problem stems from the fact that a majority of people suffer from a lack of information on how to get in better shape. The biggest goal that people have is to get flat abs and stronger obliques but most people think that all you need to do are countless sit ups. If you are serious about getting in better shape, you will need to know why the external obliques are important for flat abs and how they help with a lot of other health issues including posture!
Why Do We Need Strong Obliques?
Having a strong core is very important and it is arguably the part of the body that you should focus on the most. If you are an athlete, your core and obliques will be very important and you should focus on making them stronger. Golfers use the obliques the most and the rotation movement is what causes a golfer to play better. However, it can be said that a strong core is needed in every sport so working hard to strengthen your core is important. A strong core is also needed in every day life. You do like being able to stand up or sit up straight don’t you?
Nearly every move you make that involves using your abdomen utilizes your obliques!
What Exercises Do I Do?
There are plenty of abdominal exercises out there but they tend to only target the front part of your abs. The external obliques are the biggest and strongest abdominal muscles in your core and so you should understand that you need to do the right exercises. Stabilizing exercises are indeed the best things that you can do for your core because you do not need to lift a lot of weight to get stronger external oblique muscle group. Exercises like planks and side planks are what you need to be focused on and sometimes even adding weight to experience progression. The goal is to get a lot of relative strength and to be able to have a stronger core. Other simple exercises would be wind sprints as your core will get a beating from this extremely difficult exercise. The breathing in-and-out work the diaphragm and the constant, swift working motion you do with your arms specifically targets the external oblique muscles. Most people tend to avoid this crucial exercise because of how hard it is to run intensely. This is the best way to lose weight and at the same time get stronger external obliques.
Another good exercise with weights would have to be the side bends with dumbbells as these will really allow you to feel the burn. Though heavy weights are not particularly a part of a professional golfers regimen, this is a workout that can really help a golfer’s game. Just as long as you ensure that you are adding weight after each workout, you will surely be able to see results fast.
What Should I Eat?
Your post workout meal is the most important meal of the day and you should certainly focus on eating the right foods. Most people tend to think that since you are working out, you can eat whatever you want but this is hardly the case at all. The best foods to eat are, ironically, the same foods our ancient hunter gatherer ancestors hunted and gathered centuries ago. This means that foods like fowl, fish, vegetables and fruits should be the main foods in your diet. But don’t for one second think this means modern packaged foods that weren’t around back then like milk and lean meats are off the menu. Though this may seem like a boring diet to have, it will allow you to have a low enough body fat percentage to be able to have a lean looking core. Eat smart, eat healthy, and don’t fall into the trap of using food as a reward for everything! Emotional eating is the #1 cause of the initial overindulgence that leads to obesity around the world. You’re working so hard on your obliques to lose those love handles, don’t let your cravings ruin it all for you.
How Do I Get Stronger?
If you focus on getting these things done, you will inevitably be able to gain a stronger core. Your external obliques will start to tone and your love handles will wither away to nothing exposing the waistline you always knew you had! Just as long as you stay consistent with your exercises and you eat the right foods, nothing can stop you from having the lifestyle that you want. Remember that your external obliques are very important and making them stronger should be a goal that you want to achieve. Take your time and you will surely be able to get stronger throughout your body and especially with your external obliques.
