All About Obliques

When working on your core, people pay attention to the front facing abs the most. Ya know, the ones that make a six-pack? But don’t forget to workout those obliques. You use those muscles every time you twist or bend from side to side, so be sure to work them just as hard for a strong, sexy core. Karrah breaks down some killer oblique circuits for you to put to the test.

Do each exercise for 10 reps (per side if applicable) then move to the next one and repeat for as many rounds as you can for 5 minutes straight!

Karrah is wearing The Ultimate in White, $65.

Opposite Knee to Elbow Crunch

Begin in the top of a pushup position with hands directly beneath your shoulders. Tighten your abs and bring one knee to the opposite elbow, extending that arm up. Pause for a moment before straightening the leg back behind you. Repeat the movement with the opposite knee.

Plank Saws

Start in a plank position with forearms flat to the ground. Contract your abdominals to keep yourself up and prevent your booty from sticking up. With a flat back, use your elbows to pull your body forward, pushing through the balls of your feet, then return to your starting position. Repeat the movement.

Bent Leg Windmills

Lie on your back with knees raised together in a table-top position, arms extended. Engage your core and twist both bent knees to one side and then the other, without letting them touch the ground. Repeat the movement.

Hollow Body Jacks

Begin on your back, lifting shoulder off the ground and extending both arms straight above your head. Lift both legs above the ground in a straight position. Open and close legs. Repeat the movement.

Heel Taps OR (ADVANCED OPTIONS BELOW)

Start on your back with arms by your side, palms down. Place feet flat on the ground, with knees up. Twist body to each side as you reach your fingertips to your heels. Don't lift your upper body, or roll your shoulders forward as you move, your abs need to be side crunching as you reach forward. Repeat the movement.

Elevated Side Plank Dips

Lie on your side with your bottom hand on the ground underneath your shoulder (or as shown in the video, against an elevated surface with your elbow rested on the surface). Position both feet together with straight legs, top foot directly on top of the bottom foot. Place opposite hand on your head. Drive your hips up to form a straight line with your body from head to toe. Dip your hips down and back up. Repeat movement on opposite side.

Elevated Side Plank Dips with Leg Lift

Same position as above exercise. Raise your top leg into the air as far as your range of motion allows. Dip your hips down and back up. Repeat movement on opposite side.