4 Obliques Exercises to Really Burn Out Your Core

4 Obliques Exercises to Really Burn Out Your Core

Focusing on your rectus abdominis muscles (what most people think of when they think "abs") can earn you a sexy six-pack, but there are other equally important parts of your core that are worth your sweat. Meet: your obliques.

Your obliques — the muscles that flank your abs and, if you're J.Lo, a fashion accessory to your best low-cut dresses — are responsible for trimming your waist and strengthening your core for overall stability. (This is especially true with rotational exercises and everyday movements and tasks.)

Just like getting that coveted six-pack abs, there are so many other exercises to work your obliques other than the oldie-but-goodie crunch on the bike. One study found that a wide-footed plank variation with one arm extended forward engaged both the front and sides of the core 27 percent better than sit-ups, as we reported in Sneaky Tips for Toning Your Abs During Any Workout. And don't discard your lower body moves on Arms and Abs Day. Exercises that may target your glutes and thighs often also require a lot of core effort and serve as sneaky abdominal exercises—think plyo lunges and single-leg deadlifts.

Have you overlooked your obliques or just want some intense oblique exercises to add to your usual routine? Try these four oblique moves from celebrity trainer David Kirsch, who works with J.Lo, the poster boy for chiseled abs. They'll fire up your sides and strengthen your core, stat. (Want more oblique burn? Try these other 10 oblique exercises from top trainers.)

Side plank oblique crunch

AStart in side plank position, resting on your right forearm, with your left arm behind your head.

b.Bring your left elbow toward your stomach and then return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.

Torso rotation exercise band

AStand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold onto an exercise band wrapped around a rack or bar with both hands at chest height.

b.Rotate your torso and pull the band horizontally across your body. Return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.

Weighted Double Crunch

ALie on your back with a medicine ball between your bent knees, engaging your core and holding a dumbbell with your arms extended.

b.Crunch Up, lifting from the shoulders while simultaneously lifting the legs. Lower yourself back down slowly and in a controlled manner and repeat the exercise.

Hanging knee raises

AHang from a pull-up bar with your arms shoulder-width apart and your feet off the floor.

b.Tense your abdominal muscles and keep your legs together, bend your knees and lift them up to your right shoulder. Lower your back down and bend your knees to your left shoulder. Continue alternating sides.