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There’s no shortage of amazing abs exercises, but regular planks tend to get all the love. And while planks are great at strengthening your entire core, sometimes you want to give your obliques a little extra attention. Your obliques are the muscles that run along the sides of your waist, and the forearm side plank with a twist is a go-to exercise for activating them. Part of the reason why this move is so effective is because you’re balancing on one side of your body, and you have to engage your core to help prevent you from falling over. Another reason is that tricky little twist that’s added to the move.
“Your obliques are primarily used during the rotation,” explains NYC-based trainer Rebecca Kennedy. “They are also used as stabilizers and help lift the side body into position.” What she’s saying is that this plank variation is particularly effective at reaching your obliques—and setting them on fire. Bonus: The move also works your butt, deep abdominal muscles, and inner thighs, Kennedy says. Here’s exactly how to do this exercise.
Forearm Side Plank With Twist
Whitney Thielman
- Start in a side plank on your left side with your left forearm on the ground and your left elbow stacked below your left shoulder. Your feet can be stacked, or you can stagger one in front of the other if that’s too challenging, says Kennedy.
- Place your right hand behind your head, right elbow pointed towards the ceiling.
- To help you stay stable, “Keep your glutes tight and inner thighs squeezed together,” says Kennedy. This will help you feel more stable during the exercise.
- Now rotate your torso down, bringing your right elbow to meet your left hand. Then rotate back to your side plank position. Keep driving your hips up.
- Continue this movement for 30 seconds, then repeat on the opposite side.
Is it just me, or can you feel your obliques burning just thinking about this movement?
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- The Common Mistake That’s Making Your Abs Workout Less Effective
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- 12 Workout Myths That Just Need To Die
The post This Plank Variation Is Amazing For Sculpting Strong Obliques appeared first on SELF.
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