{Fit and Strong Day 11}: Toned Obliques

The oblique muscles are actually a part of or grouped with the whole abdominal muscles.  It's also called the transversus abdominis.  Well, if it's bulging in some way, then you call them the love handles, although they are not something I would really love lol!

Seriously though, we need to work out the obliques not just to look good and sexy.  Strong, toned obliques may very well address that aching lower back as well.


Fitness coaches would also probably say that side crunches work.  And when it's about exercise, I cringe at the very word "crunch."  I'm not a fan of it...yet.  Maybe when I have a stronger midsection, I'll be able to do those crunches and sit-ups and side planks with ease.  But not right now.  I need something that is doable for starters.  

So, I found this video. I've been doing this already, but I think I need heavier weights for this now.  The 5-lb dumbbell is just too easy already.

how to tone oblique muscles

You can actually do the SIDE BEND exercise as above but this time holding a dumbbell in each hand and doing the same movement alternately.

For an intermediate workout, do the Side Bend, but this time put your hands straight up above the head. I could already hear myself screaming after 20 reps on each side.

I think I'll start with those, then later, I will attempt to hold the SIDE PLANK pose.  Just thinking about it makes my obliques hurt already.  But, it's the good pain when done correctly.

Alright, let's do this!