Abdominal Obliques

The abdominal obliques are muscles located on the sides of your abdomen, and they play a crucial role in various movements of the torso. There are two sets of oblique muscles:

1. External Obliques

• These are the larger and more superficial (closer to the skin) muscles on each side of the abdomen.
• They run diagonally from the lower ribs down toward the pelvis.
• Function: The external obliques help with trunk rotation, lateral flexion (bending sideways), and flexion (bending forward). They also assist in compressing the abdominal cavity, which is important for breathing and stabilizing the core.

2. Internal Obliques

• These are located just underneath the external obliques, running in the opposite direction—diagonally upward from the pelvis towards the ribs.
• Function: The internal obliques work together with the external obliques to support trunk rotation and lateral flexion, but they also contribute to stabilizing the spine and maintaining posture.

Functions of Abdominal Obliques:

• Trunk Rotation: When you twist your torso to the left or right, your oblique muscles are engaged.
• Lateral Flexion: Bending your torso sideways activates these muscles.
• Core Stability: The obliques help stabilize your spine and pelvis, especially during activities that involve lifting or twisting.
• Breathing: They assist with forced expiration by compressing the abdominal cavity, helping push air out of the lungs.

Exercises for Strengthening Abdominal Obliques:

To strengthen your oblique muscles, you can perform exercises such as:

• Russian Twists
• Side Planks
• Bicycle Crunches
• Oblique V-Ups

Strong oblique muscles contribute to a well-rounded core, improving posture, balance, and overall athletic performance while reducing the risk of injury.