Tiger Fitness
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Before we get to the Oblique workout we need to know, What are Obliques?
Obliques are muscles on the side of the upper body that aid in rotating the body from side to side. They are really two sets of obliques termed internal and external, and each set contracts differently while twisting or moving side to side. This is also the location of the infamous "love handles," which people strive so hard to get rid of.
The rectus abdominis is a large muscle that runs from the pubis to the ribs at the front of the abdomen. The internal obliques are positioned on each side of the rectus abdominis, directly at the hips. The external obliques are higher and begin at the rib cage on each side of the rectus abdominis.
When a person twists their body, both sets of obliques contract, but the activity of each muscle varies depending on which side they twist. When a person turns, the internal oblique involved is on the same side of the twist. Twist to the left, for example, and the left internal oblique stretches. A twist to the left, on the other hand, activates the right external oblique muscle, or the one opposing the twist's orientation. This, as well as the little tug on the rib cage and chest that happens as a person twists, is easily felt.
Oblique toning is popular because it may help contour the waist and allow for more freedom of movement. Because they entail up and down action rather than twisting activity, many simple sit-ups and crunches will not appropriately tone oblique muscles. When a crunch includes a twist to the side, the oblique muscles are worked as well as the other stomach muscles, and the exercise may be more efficient.
Touching opposing elbows to opposite knees while in the crunch posture is a terrific sit-up plus twisting exercise. This helps to work the obliques while also working the rectus abdominis. This kind of workout is known as bicycle crunches.
Other exercises that might help lengthen and tone oblique muscles include side bends and waist twists with or without light weights. Many "core muscle" workouts engage the obliques at least partly and may be beneficial in training this region while maintaining adequate range of motion.
Obliques are muscles on the side of the upper body that aid in rotating the body from side to side. They are really two sets of obliques termed internal and external, and each set contracts differently while twisting or moving side to side. This is also the location of the infamous "love handles," which people strive so hard to get rid of.
The rectus abdominis is a large muscle that runs from the pubis to the ribs at the front of the abdomen. The internal obliques are positioned on each side of the rectus abdominis, directly at the hips. The external obliques are higher and begin at the rib cage on each side of the rectus abdominis.
When a person twists their body, both sets of obliques contract, but the activity of each muscle varies depending on which side they twist. When a person turns, the internal oblique involved is on the same side of the twist. Twist to the left, for example, and the left internal oblique stretches. A twist to the left, on the other hand, activates the right external oblique muscle, or the one opposing the twist's orientation. This, as well as the little tug on the rib cage and chest that happens as a person twists, is easily felt.
Oblique toning is popular because it may help contour the waist and allow for more freedom of movement. Because they entail up and down action rather than twisting activity, many simple sit-ups and crunches will not appropriately tone oblique muscles. When a crunch includes a twist to the side, the oblique muscles are worked as well as the other stomach muscles, and the exercise may be more efficient.
Touching opposing elbows to opposite knees while in the crunch posture is a terrific sit-up plus twisting exercise. This helps to work the obliques while also working the rectus abdominis. This kind of workout is known as bicycle crunches.
Other exercises that might help lengthen and tone oblique muscles include side bends and waist twists with or without light weights. Many "core muscle" workouts engage the obliques at least partly and may be beneficial in training this region while maintaining adequate range of motion.
