Oblique exercises

Also called Internal and external obliques

Oblique exercises for the sides of your core, from side planks to anti-rotation presses, with clear form steps for home or gym.

2 exercises that target this muscle

Front

Back

Obliques

Showing 8 of 8 exercises

Side PlankA side plank holds your body in a straight line on one forearm, training the obliques and the side of your hips to stop you sagging sideways.No equipmentBeginner
Pallof PressA Pallof press pushes a band straight out from your chest while you resist being twisted, training your obliques and abs to keep your trunk still.Resistance bandBeginner

Other exercises that also work this muscle

What do the obliques do?

The internal and external obliques sit at the sides of the waist, running diagonally between the ribs and the pelvis. They twist and bend the trunk to the side, and they resist those movements when something tries to pull you off balance.

How do you train your obliques?

Side planks and carries with a weight in one hand train the obliques to stop you leaning. Anti-rotation exercises, like the Pallof press, train them to stop you twisting. Both carry over well to everyday tasks like carrying a bag on one side.

Exercises for other muscles

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