The obliques are major muscles in the abdominal area.
These muscles work together to control movement in the spine, rib cage, and pelvis.
Obliques, like the rest of themuscles of the core, are important for everyday movements.
They make for a strong core, which provides stability throughout the entire movement system.
Developing a strong core (obliques included) also seems to be crucial for low-back health.
A 2021study reviewfound that resistance training reduced back lower back pain in older adults.
A strong core also protects your spine,according to ACE.
Its rare that youll tire out the abdominal muscles so much that you need arecoveryday, he notes.
Do these moves for 30 to 45 seconds each with no more than 30 seconds of rest in between.
Repeat for a total of two or three rounds, she says.
Raise your right arm up toward the ceiling without letting your hips dip.
Beginners can keep knees on the ground in a slightly bent position.
Hold a light dumbbell in your right hand to make it more challenging.
Repeat on the other side.
Hold the twist briefly before rotating to your left.
Keep your head and shoulders pointing straight ahead.
Then, in a fluid motion, bring the medicine ball or dumbbell toward your left hip.
Then raise it back to the starting position.
Increase the speed so you feel your oblique muscles engaged.
Repeat for a total of 30 to 45 seconds; then switch sides.
Return to the plank position and repeat the move with your left knee.
Continue alternating legs in a quick, smooth motion.
Side Bend
Start standing with your feet hip-width apart, letting arms hang by your sides.
Bend your upper body sideways toward the right, creasing at the waist.
Pause and then return to standing while squeezing your left side obliques.
Repeat on the left side, being sure to keep the weight close to your body as you bend.
Dead Bug
Lie on your back with your arms extended up toward the ceiling.
Return them to the center, and repeat on the opposite side.
For an added challenge, hold light dumbbells in each hand as you complete the move.
Extended Side Angle Pose
Start standing.
Place your hands on your hips with your feet in a wide stance.
Turn your right foot so its pointing to your right.
Hold for 30 to 45 seconds and then switch sides.
To serve her diverse patients, she demonstrates cultural sensitivity and knowledge of customary food practices.
Franco is also a corporate wellness consultant who conducts wellness counseling and seminars for organizations of every size.
She created the sports nutrition rotation for the New York Distance Dietetic Internship program.
She is the chair of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’sRegistered Dietitian-NutritionistMember Interest Group.
