Best Lateral Abs Workout

If you’re looking to build a rock-solid pair of obliques or get that sexy, deep, v-cut, you need to add these three exercises into your ab routine…right now. Often people focus primarily on the rectus abdominis–aka the six pack muscles–but completely forget about the obliques. What ends up happening? You’ll develop a core that’s imbalanced, lacks width, and quite frankly…looks really strange. A sexy six pack is the sum of a number of important parts–the obliques are at the forefront of that equation. What’s great about the combination of these three exercises is that they use a variety of angles, motions, and contractions to shock your core and spark new growth. I guarantee that if you start doing these exercises regularly–on top of following a healthy, nutritious diet–you’ll begin to see a razor-sharp, powerful pair of obliques emerge from the side of your torso. Side Plank Side planks help build endurance and also strengthen obliques. Lie on your right side with your elbow touching the ground underneath your shoulder and have your legs extended out straight; stack your feet on each other. Through your feet and elbow, press into the ground, lifting your legs and torso. Tighten your abdominal and buttocks to help keep your legs and spine in line horizontally. Hold for up to 20 seconds and repeat on the left side. The Side Crunch A deceptively difficult move, the side crunch tests your balance while it teases your oblique muscles. (It worked my hips in a way I've not felt in a while, too.) Do it: Kneel on the floor and lean all the way over to your right side, placing your right palm on the floor. Keeping your weight balanced, slowly extend your left leg and point your toes. Place your left hand behind your head, pointing your elbow toward the ceiling. Next, slowly lift your leg to hip height as you extend your arm above your leg, with your palm facing forward. Look out over your hand while bringing the left side of your rib cage toward your hip. Lower to your starting position and repeat 6 to 8 times. Do two sets of 6 to 8 reps, and then switch sides.