Obliques help you flex and rotate your spine, and they protect your back from injury when you move something heavy.
These three exercises strengthen them for better sports performance, and burn belly fat so those side abs show when you take off your shirt.
WEIGHTED SIDE PLANK
This total-body exercise is also great for working your hips, glutes and shoulders.
Do it Using a challenging weight, hold for 30 seconds on each side, resting for 30 seconds in-between. Do 3-5 sets per side. Make it harder by raising your top leg.
SANDBAG SHOVELLING
Your obliques will work hard as you do 5-10 rounds of 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off.
Do it Pivot your feet and bend your knees as you turn to the right, dropping your hips as you lower the bag. Push up and arc the sandbag across your chest and back down to the left.
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SINGLE-ARM CARRY
This strengthens your grip too.
Do it Hold a heavy dumbbell at your side with your arm straight. Walk while keeping your torso straight. Keep at it for between four and 10 minutes, switching hands every 30 seconds. Too easy? Hold the weight at shoulder level or overhead.