Obliques Challenge: Apr ’22

Obliques Challenge: Apr ’22

This month we will focus on strengthening and conditioning our obliques…

~ Check Out the Practice Videos Below ~

What are the obliques?

“Oblique muscle refers to two abdominal muscles – the external and internal obliques. These provide trunk flexion and rotation. The external oblique is the thickest and runs from the lower ribs to the iliac crest.” – Biology Dictionary

“Your obliques are the muscles that many consider their “side abs,” and technically, they’re not wrong. But there’s more to those two pairs of muscles—the external and internal obliques—that run along the sides of your core. The obliques work together to help you to bend side-to-side, rotate your torso from left to right, and assist with spinal flexion (the movement you’d typically associate with movements like crunches and sit-ups that target those six-pack muscles). The obliques also actively resist against rotation to help stabilize and protect your spine. They’re a key muscle group for stability, a muscle group that gets attacked when you twist and turn, and when you brace in those positions. That means moves like side planks and windmills will challenge your oblique muscles, as will any exercises that have you holding a load off-center while still trying to keep your hips and shoulders square.” – Men’s Health

The Challenge

Each week I will present practical ways for us to strengthen and engage our obliques. We will then practice these in particular classes and at home.

Week #1

Here we present week #1 of the Obliques Challenge.