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Obliques
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Assess Your Ab Work
Countless crunches and multiple sets of Russian twists might tone your abs, but they're not so great for your back. Not only that, but they aren't functional movement, meaning the strength gained in these exercises won't really help you outside the gym. Repeatedly rounding the spine in a crunch or full sit-up sets the stage for a disk injury.
Expand Your Core
I love expanding my horizons and when I read a new expanded definition of the core, I was quite pleased. I generally think of the core as the abs, pelvic floor and muscles on either side of the spine. According to sports medicine specialist Vijay Vad the core is not limited to the area around your belly button, but is really everything between your "nipples and your knees."
Short, Sweet and Complete Abdominal Workout Video
How about those abs? If you are bored with your ab routine, or if you neglect your middle, here's a workout for you to try.
This video is made for you to play while you do the exercise.
Let Pilates Move You: Twisted Obliques
If your abdominal strengthening routine is feeling stale, why not put a twist on it?
This variation on the basic "sit-up" targets the obliques. Try it at home or the gym soon and let us know what you think of it.
Other Search Results
Banish Love Handles: Side Bridge
We may not be able to spot reduce love handles, but we can certainly tone them. Side Bridges are an effective oblique exercise to help banish love handles and get you ready for bikini time. The internal and external obliques are both abdominal muscles on the sides of the torso and this exercise will tone them both.
Core Work: Side Elbow Plank With Twist
Side planks are a great way to work your core, but why not add a twist to spice things up. Adding any kind of motion to a side plank is a serious balance challenge and any time you twist the torso you will be working your obliques and toning the sides of your torso. This move will help you tone your entire torso, not to mention work your shoulders.
Ab Work: Seated Russian Twist
It may be early February, but now is the time to start thinking about creating bikini-worthy abs. On second thought, strong abs are great for any season and this exercise is great for your abs so the Russian twist may just be for you. This ab exercise targets your obliques, but your deep abs and your back muscles should be working together to support your spine while your ribcage rotates around your center.
No Equipment Necessary: Bicycle Crunches
Looking to get that six-pack? You can do regular crunches until the cows come home, but that can get pretty boring for you and your abs. Bicycle crunches are a great way to target the rectus abdominis (the "six pack") and the obliques (the "spare tire") in one easy exercise.
Why Feel The "Y": Core Concepts
Do you work your "Y"? Well you should...it is an easy way to feel connected to your "core." The "Y" connects your armpits to your belly button, and then your pelvic floor (like a kagel) pulling up toward your navel.
Whittle Your Waist With Side Planks
As we all begin to cozy up for Winter, let me remind you to keep working your core. The obliques, the abs on the sides of the torso, help stabilize you as well as tone your waist. Even though we can't spot reduce the love handles, you can tone the area with some side planks.
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