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Are you looking for effective oblique workouts at Raintree Athletic Club to target those stubborn love handles and strengthen your core? The oblique muscles on your sides are often overlooked but essential for balance, posture, and a toned midsection. Whether you’re prepping for spring or just want a stronger core, these five workouts will help you sculpt your obliques without doing a single crunch.

Why Focus on Oblique Workouts at Raintree Athletic Club?

The obliques play a critical role in stabilizing your torso and supporting rotational movements. Many exercises only engage them secondarily, but targeted oblique workouts at Raintree are designed to build strength and definition where you want it most. Our trainers emphasize safe, functional moves that improve your athletic performance and everyday mobility.

Bicycles

A foundational oblique exercise that’s gentle and effective.

• What You’ll Need: A mat or firm surface

• How to Do It: Lie on your back with hands behind your head, lift your shoulders and legs off the ground, and alternate bringing opposite elbows to knees in a pedaling motion. Keep your core engaged and movements controlled to maximize effectiveness and protect your lower back.

 

 

Suitcase Carry

Build core strength with this weighted carry that challenges your balance.

• What You’ll Need: Dumbbell, kettlebell, or weight plate

• How to Do It: Hold a kettlebell or dumbbell in one hand at your side, stand tall with shoulders level, and walk in a straight line while keeping your core engaged to resist leaning. Focus on slow, controlled steps and an upright posture throughout the carry.

 

 

Kettlebell Windmill

A great cross-training move to build oblique flexibility and strength.

• What You’ll Need: Kettlebell

• How to Do It: Begin by pressing a kettlebell overhead with one arm, turning your feet slightly away from the weight, and hinging at the hips as you lower your opposite hand toward the floor while keeping your eyes on the kettlebell. Maintain a straight arm and tight core throughout the movement, then return to standing by driving through your hips.

 

Anti-Rotation Dead Bugs

Strengthen your core and obliques with controlled anti-rotation movement.

• What You’ll Need: Resistance band

• How to Do It: Anchor a resistance band to a stable surface and hold it with both hands directly above your chest as you lie on your back with knees bent at 90 degrees. While keeping the band stable and core braced, slowly extend one leg at a time without letting your torso rotate, then return to the starting position.

 

 

Standing Cable Twists

Perfect for improving rotational strength and posture.

• What You’ll Need: Cable machine

• How to Do It: Stand perpendicular to a cable machine with the handle at chest height, feet shoulder-width apart, and arms extended in front of you. Keeping your core tight and arms straight, rotate your torso away from the machine, then slowly return to the starting position.

 

Ready to Try These Oblique Workouts at Raintree?

Looking for personalized guidance? Our expert personal trainers at Raintree Athletic Club can tailor a program including these and other oblique workouts at Raintree to fit your goals. Whether you want to slim down your waistline, improve posture, or increase athletic performance, we’re here to help.

Learn more about our Personal Training services

Check out our Group Fitness schedule for oblique-focused classes