These oblique exercises are great for toning up and trimming the waistline. If I’m crunched for time, I will run through a few sets of these exercises. I love to work my abs after a hard cardio workout, like running or a HIIT elliptical workout. It helps to bring my heart rate down slowly and safely. If I have more time, I combine these exercises with additional upper and lower ab exercises for a total ab workout.
1. Plank Knee to Elbows: Start in plank (push-up) position. Bring left knee up to left elbow. Slowly pull your knee across your chest to reach towards right elbow. Return to plank. Do the same thing with the right knee. Do 10 reps total.
2. Side Plank Twists: Start in plank and twist to the right side so you are leaning on your right hand. Put the left hand straight up. Slowly and carefully, swoop your left hand under your torso and twist your body, being careful to maintain your balance and form. Hold for 1 second, then come back to side plank. Do 10 reps on each side.
3. Slow Bicycle Crunches: Start by lying on your back and placing your hands behind your ears (do not clasp hands behind head). Bend your legs to 90 degrees. Extend your left leg long and bend your right knee. Twist your torso so that your left elbow reaches towards your bent right knee. Switch sides. Do 20 SLOW reps. The slower you move, the more you will feel this exercise.
4. Russian Twists: Sit in the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Hold a light dumbbell or medicine ball (mine are 5lbs). Lean back slightly and lift feet off the floor. Rotate your torso as far as you can to the right, pause, and then rotate as far as you can to the left. Do 20 reps
Complete this set of 4-exercises 3 times total for a quick, efficient oblique workout.
