The obliques are called love handles and consist of two groups. The external obliques are on the upper and outside part of your waist, starting just under your chest. They are responsible for letting you twist and bend. The inner obliques are underneath the external obliques and aid in twisting. To slim the oblique region, engage in a fat-burning fitness plan consisting of aerobic exercises, then tone the obliques for firmness.
Aerobic Exercises: Slimming the Oblique Region
You can't spot-reduce, or lose weight on one specific area. To lose weight on your oblique region, you need to lose overall weight. Once this weight is lost, you'll see the proportional results in that area. Aerobic exercises burn ample amounts of calories and fat by boosting your heart rate to a moderate to rigorous intensity. In addition, they help boost your metabolism throughout the day. Engage in aerobic exercises most days of the week.
Running
Running works the legs, butt and thighs -- the biggest calorie- and fat-burning muscles in your body. To run at your best, swing your arms close to your sides and keep your body upright. When running, land in the middle of your foot and push off with your toes. For optimum burn, alternate between fast and slow paces and incorporate hills or incline into your running session.
Inline Skating
Inline skating burns calories with its side-by-side movement of your buttocks, which requires more from your body than the straightforward motion of running. Unlike running, which can place stress on the knees and joints, inline skating is a low-impact exercise.
Jumping Rope
Jumping rope gives you a full-body workout. Consider length when choosing a rope. Do this by folding the rope in half, stand on the middle portion and hold the rope up. The handles should reach just below your chest. For maximum benefits, jump with your feet slightly apart. Jump low to the ground and frequently alternate between fast and slow paces. You can get the same burn by performing jump-rope motions without the rope.
Oblique-Targeting Crunches
Once the weight is lost, consider oblique-targeting exercises, such the oblique crunch, to tone the muscle for visible strength. Lie on the floor with your lower back pressed against the ground. Elevate your feet by placing your lower legs on a bench. Your calves will be resting on the surface and your feet relaxing off the bench's edge. Put your right hand behind your head and your left hand palm-down at your side. Lift your right shoulder and upper body until your right elbow touches your left knee. Gently lower back into the starting position. Alternate between leading arms each repetition. Perform as many reps as desired. You should exhale when going up and inhale when coming back down to the starting position.
Oblique-Targeting Barbell Bends
This exercise targets the obliques using a light barbell. Rest the barbell on the back of your neck so that it is parallel to the ground. Hold on to the bar with an overhand grip. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and bend from side to side. Ensure that your movements are slow and controlled for maximum effectiveness, and concentrate on letting your obliques do the work.
References
- ShapeFit; Abs Exercises - Ab Training & Workouts for Six-Pack Abs
- MayoClinic.com; Exercise Intensity: Why it Matters, How it's Measured; Mayo Clinic Staff
- CNN; The 7 Best Fat Blasters; Su Reid; Oct. 6, 2010
- ShapeFit: Cardio Exercises to Burn Major Calories!
- Bodybuilding.com: Oblique Crunches
- ShapeFit: Abs Exercises - Barbell Oblique Side Bends for Six-Pack Abs
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