Internal obliques
Internal obliques demonstration
Watch the demo so setup and tempo are clear before you follow the step-by-step cues.
Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Internal obliques
Work through the cues in order so setup, bracing, and reps stay consistent before you add load.
- Place your hands behind your head, keeping your elbows wide.
- Lift your shoulders off the mat and twist your upper body, bringing your right elbow towards your left knee while extending your right leg.
- Lower your body back to the starting position, maintaining control rather than allowing your body to drop back down.
- Repeat the movement on the other side, this time bringing your left elbow to your right knee while extending your left leg. Continue alternating sides for the duration of your workout.
Tips for Performing Internal obliques
Form reminders that keep range of motion and control in check once the basic pattern feels stable.
- Controlled Movements: When performing exercises for the internal obliques, it's important to use slow, controlled movements. This will help you target the right muscles and reduce the risk of injury. Avoid quick, jerky movements or using momentum to complete the exercise, as these can lead to strain or injury.
- Breathing: Another common mistake is holding your breath during the exercise. Make sure to breathe regularly and rhythmically, exhaling on the exertion part of the exercise and inhaling on the release. This will help you maintain your energy and focus, and can also help engage your core more effectively.
- Progression: Start with exercises that
Can beginners do the Internal obliques?
A short framing note on whether this pattern suits newer lifters before you load it heavily.
Yes, beginners can do exercises to strengthen their internal obliques. However, it's important to start with simpler exercises and gradually increase the intensity to avoid injury. Here are a few exercises beginners can try: 1. Side Planks: This exercise can help strengthen your obliques. Lie on your side with your feet stacked on top of each other and your body in a straight line. Prop your body up on your forearm and lift your hips off the floor. Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down. Repeat on both sides. 2. Russian Twists: Sit on the floor with your knees bent, pull your abs to your spine, and lean back a few inches while keeping your back straight. Hold your hands in front of you and twist your torso to the right, then to the left to complete one rep. 3. Standing Side Bends: Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in your right hand, palm facing inwards towards the
What are common variations of the Internal obliques?
Compare these progressions when the main pattern is solid or you need a different stimulus with similar equipment.
- The side plank rotation is another variation that combines a side plank with a twisting motion to target the internal obliques.
- The Russian twist is a seated exercise that involves twisting the torso from side to side, effectively working the internal obliques.
- The bicycle crunch is a dynamic exercise that involves simultaneous knee and elbow movement, targeting the internal obliques.
- The seated barbell twist is another variation that involves sitting on a bench and twisting the torso from side to side while holding a barbell.


