When it comes to creating a lean, strong torso, developing your obliques—the muscles that run along the sides of your core—is a must.
1. Bear Crunch
Get into a tabletop position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Dig your toes into the floor and slightly elevate your knees so they hover just a few inches above the ground.
Simultaneously rotate your torso to the right and drive your left knee and your right elbow toward each other so they meet in front of your chest. Pause, and then reverse the movement. Alternate sides with each rep.
Hip-Up
Lie on your left side, right arm extended so it’s perpendicular to the floor. Prop yourself up on your left forearm and raise your hips so your body is straight from ankles to head. Lower your left hip, and then raise it again until it’s in line with your body.
3. Breakdancer
Get into a pushup position with your hands underneath your shoulders and your body forming a straight line from your head to your heels. One at a time, swing your legs out to the side without bending your knee.
Perform it in a slow and controlled manner, or speed it up for an extra metabolic boost.
Finish all your reps on your left side before switching to your right side.
