How, oh how do we achieve those V-cut abs? This much-coveted shape is the ultimate symbol of health, fitness, low body fat, and a strong core — so we’re not surprised that so many people think of it as their ultimate fitness goal. Achieving strong obliques may be a bit difficult, but with the right ab workouts, we can help you get a little bit closer to a sleek, swimmer’s core.

What Are Obliques?

In the simplest terms, the obliques are our side ab muscles. But technically, they’re two sets of muscle fibers that run perpendicular to each other from the ribs to the hips. They’re integral to our ability to breathe, move from side to side, and turn our torso.

Ready to learn how to get those V-cut abs with the best oblique exercises? Let’s go.

Side Plank with Leg Lift

 
This amazing oblique exercise is a bit of a balancing act, but you’ll really feel the burn in your obliques if it’s done right.

How it’s done:

• Get into a low side plank position on your left (elbow on the ground), option to leave the knee of the bottom leg on the floor to decrease the intensity.
• Make sure your elbow is positioned directly below your shoulder
• Engage your core and make sure your body’s in a straight plane
• Lift your right leg up
• Hold for 15 seconds
• Repeat on the other side, then do 2 more rounds on each side.

Ins and Outs

There are ins and outs to oblique exercises, but this one is worth it for the burn. Just remember to keep your back straight to engage your core!

How it’s done:

• From a sitting position, lean back until you’re resting on your tailbone
• Put your hands behind your back for support
• Engage your core
• Lift your legs off the ground until they’re in a tabletop position
• Keep your balance and hold for 30 seconds
• Rest, then repeat 2 more times

 
The most killer oblique exercises are the ones that build endurance and strength — kind of like this classic exercise, the bird dog.

How it’s done:

• Get on your hands and knees
• At the same time, lift your left arm and right leg
• Hold for 10 seconds
• Lower your left arm and right leg
• Repeat on the other side, then do 2 more rounds on each side.

Wood Choppers

This upper body workout with a twist (literally) works the obliques like nothing else.

How it’s done:

• Holding a dumbbell with both hands, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
• With your arms extended and knees slightly bent, hold the weight slightly to the left
• Using the momentum of twisting your left foot, twist your body to the right
• At the same time, swing the dumbbell up and across your body
• Keep your arms straight
• Bring the dumbbell back to starting position
• Repeat 8x, then switch to the other side for 8x
• Rest for 30 seconds, then repeat the reps 2 more times.

Overhead Press

 
The overhead press offers effective resistance training that’s amazing for building both arm and core strength.

How it’s done:

• Stand with your feet shoulder width-apart
• Hold a dumbbell with your left hand, up to shoulder height
• Keep your core engaged and squeeze your glutes
• Slowly press the dumbbell up
• Just as slowly, let it back down
• Repeat 8x for both sides
• Rest for 30 seconds, then repeat the series 2 more times

Keep in Mind

Really, the best thing you can do to achieve V-cut abs is to stick to a healthy diet and a regular fitness regimen. Our physiques, genetics, and body fat content play an important role in how our abs look, so it’s important that you focus more on eating right and achieving strong obliques.

And of course, we can help you get there – if you want access to some amazing fat-torching workouts, sign up for our 7-Day Free Trial. At Studio SWEAT OnDemand, you’ll find amazing virtual workouts ranging from Spin, TRX, HIIT, Bootcamp, Yoga, and more. Best of all, you can stream them anytime, anywhere.

~Cat Kom

 
Founder, Studio SWEAT onDemand