Do an Oblique Sit Up

This medium-impact exercise, also a called torso-twisting sit up, focuses on strengthening your obliques, the muscles responsible for rotating your torso.

Steps

Getting in the Starting Position

  1. Lie on your back on the floor. Bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the floor.
  2. Lace your fingers behind your head so that your elbows are sticking out to the side. Keep them straight—you don't want to see your elbows in your peripheral vision.
  3. Tighten your abs. Press your back into the floor.

Performing the Exercise

  1. Lift your shoulders and head off the floor. Reach to touch your right knee with your left elbow. As you do so, twist your torso so that your elbow still does not come into your line of vision.
  2. Hold for two seconds. Then, return to the start position.
  3. Repeat for the other side. Do 10 reps on each side for each set.

Advanced Version

  1. To make this exercise more challenging, try doing it with your hands by your sides or sticking straight up in the air.
  2. Be very careful if you decide to do this, though, as not lacing them behind your head means that your neck will be unsupported.

Frequency

  1. Do 10 repetitions (per side) of this exercise per set. Repeat until you've completed 3 sets. Try not to rest more than 10 or 15 seconds per set.
  2. In order to start seeing/feeling results, aim to do 3 sets 3 to 4 days a week for 6 weeks. For faster results, increase the number of sets/times per week you do this exercise.

Tips

  • The benefits of this exercise are increased strength and flexibility in your internal and external obliques.
  • To make this exercise less challenging, do fewer reps.
  • Do more reps to get stronger abs.

Warnings

  • Potential injuries to your neck and spine may be incurred if this exercise is performed incorrectly.

Things You Need

  • Exercise mat (optional)

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