Obliques are a problem area for most women. If you are battling love handles, then you may want to try the exercises mentioned here, especially meant to lose flab in this area.
It can be really troublesome to get rid of love handles. Most of the abdominal workouts, concentrate only on the upper and lower abs, but do not pay any attention to the obliques. However, this is not a correct practice.
Oblique muscles are important for spine flexion, rotation, as well as lateral flexion. There are a number of exercises, that you can include in your workout, which can easily be performed within the confines of your home.
Twists
This exercise is also known as the broom twist. You will need a bar to do this exercise.
Stand straight with your feet wide apart.
Place the bar on your shoulders behind your neck.
Now slowly twist to the right side, as much as you can.
When you twist, make sure you contract the oblique muscles.
Return to the starting position, then twist to the left side.
Side Bends
Stand straight with your feet apart.
Bend sideways to the right side.
Come back up, and then bend sideways to the left side.
Make sure you bend in a straight line, and your torso is in line with your legs.
Twist and Bend
This is a variation of oblique twists, but is more intense.
Stand with your feet wide apart.
Place your hands behind your neck, and intertwine the fingers.
Slowly twist to the left side, as much as you can.
Now start to bend sideways.
Come up slowly to the starting position, and repeat on the other side.
Side Leg Lifts
To perform a side leg lift, lie on one side of the body, with the upper body raised.
Lift the leg in the upward direction as much as you can.
Hold for a couple of seconds, and then slowly bring the leg down.
Repeat on one side for 15 to 20 counts, and then change sides.
Oblique Crunch
Lie on your exercise mat and place your feet on the floor.
Support your neck with your hands.
Now slowly lift your torso off the floor, and try to touch the right elbow to the left knee.
Come back to the starting position, and repeat oblique crunches on the other side.
Bicycle Crunch
This is a compound exercise, which will help in toning the oblique muscles along with the upper and lower abs.
Lie on a mat and extend your legs out.
Place your hands behind your head.
Contract the abdominal muscles, and raise your torso off the floor using the abdominal muscles.
Lift your right leg off the floor, bend the knee, and try to bring it closer to your chest.
Now lift your left leg of the floor, but keep it extended.
Slowly twist to the right, and try to touch the left elbow to the right knee.
Then extend the right leg and bend the left leg.
Try to touch the right elbow to the left knee.
Before you perform these exercises, warm up well. It is also important to include some cardiovascular exercises in your workout. Walking and swimming are great options if you want to get rid of the flab on the obliques.
At the same time, make sure your diet is rich in whole grains, green vegetables, and salads. Ensure, there is no place for fried, and calorie-rich food in your diet.
Disclaimer: Always consult a physician before starting any physical fitness program in order to reduce the risk of injury.