Work those obliques!!

In case you are not sure where or what your oblique muscles are, they are the large muscles on the side of your waist and are broad and thin and extend right to your ribs. They are considered part of your “core muscles” along with your abs and lower back muscles. The obliques give your mid-section a very nice shape and help your reduce the strain on your lower back.  In my opinion, if you work your obliques, the rest of the abdominal muscles follow and you will create a strong center or 'core'!

Below are a few

great oblique exercises that you can do at home while watching TV or at the gym... 

1) Side Plank:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cRAFji80CQ&feature=related

2) Standing Side Crunch:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vd4AoebNmg (I love this exercise, but I recommend you do it slower, stretching up more at a diagonal on the extension.  You can also put a light weight in your hand that is raised.) 2 sets of 12

3)Side Jacknife:  Lie on your side with your head and shoulder elevated, and lean on one elbow. Raise your upper leg and concentrate on flexing your obliques.  Switch to other side. This is one set. 2 sets of 12.

4) Alternating Floor Twist:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDTHSnoGoEc  He uses a medicine ball and a plate, but you don't have to use any weight at all or you can use anything that has weight to it... maybe a water bottle filled with water, maybe a bottle of laundry soap or softener, whatever you can find.

If you are a cyclist, swimmer or runner, working your obliques will give you POWER with each movement that you make!!!

If you want any more ideas, just let me know! Those exercises can get you started to a stronger YOU!