The oblique muscles are located on the sides of your stomach. They are responsible for twisting your torso. Strong obliques are important for athletes who rotate their upper body a lot, like tennis players, swimmers and golfers. Toned obliques are also important if you want the appearance of a slim waistline. While basic abdominal exercises are good for the entire middle area, there are a number of exercises that specifically target, tone and strengthen the oblique muscles.
Plank
Planks are done on your toes and forearms. Lift your body and support all weight with your toes and forearms. Keep a straight line from your toes to your head and hold this position as long as possible.
Side Plank
This is a similar exercise to the standard plank, except this time you are turned on one side. Rest your body weight on one forearm and the sides of your feet. Hold this position as long as possible and then repeat on the other side.
Upright Twists
Sit on the ground with your knees and feet together and heels slightly elevated off the ground. With your hands in front of you, slowly twist your torso to the left and touch both hands to the ground on the left, next to your hips. Repeat to the right side and touch both hands to the ground on the right side. Do three sets of 10 to 20 reps each.
Twisting Crunches
Lying on the ground with your hands behind your head, bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the ground. Slowly crunch up, reaching your left elbow toward your right knee and then your right elbow toward your left knee. Be sure to flatten your lower back to the ground and push your belly button in toward your spine as you come up. After touching both knees, slowly lower back down and repeat for three sets of 10 to 20 reps.
Twists with Medicine Ball
Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet on the ground and arms outstretched to the side. Put a small medicine ball between your knees and slowly lower both knees to the ground on the left side and then to the right. Repeat for three sets of 10 to 20 reps each.
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