Focus on: Obliques

Here are some great moves that target the oblique region of your abdominals.

Have you heard of the Alternating Heel or Penguin Heel Tap (I was introduced to them by Jackie Warner in her One-On-One-Training DVD)?  They are amazingly effective, and kind of a laugh through the burning because you totally feel like you're doing the penguin walk.

Sped up version here.

Then there are Center Reaches (see the photo above).
Begin flat on your back, in the same position as ‘Alternating Heel Touch’.  With your feet about hip-width apart, open your knees (your legs should not be together at this point).  Place your hands together (pointing, if you like), and put them between your legs.  Keep your shoulders off the ground as you raise up and forward, your abs tucked in tightly.  Go as far as you can towards your toes, hold, and then slowly lower down.  Start with 15 reps, and work your way up to doing 2 or 3 sets if you can.

This one is called the Wood Chopper.  For the weight you'll be holding, you can use a dumbbell, ball, or kettle ball.

Core Training: Woodchopper -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com

There are modifications that you can do with this exercise, such as swinging to the front instead of the site.

I loved the rowing exercise from BodyrockTV in the video below, so be sure to grab your nearest rowing paddle, bar, or even a broom handle, and give it a shot!



You can do these Seated Torso Twists on the floor or sitting in a chair.  Start with a dumbbell or ball in hand, your knees bent, and your abs in.  Rotate arms and torso to the right, back to the center, and then to the left.  Make sure you aren't jerking from side-to-side too quickly.  Squeeze your obliques as you move.

Now, weren't those fun?  Keep them up, and—before you know it—you'll have a lovely V shape in your upper abdominals.

Focusing on oblique muscles is something I enjoy, so look for more exercises to come!