When it comes to working your mid-section, not all exercises are created equal, so ditch your sit-ups and crunches, and try these six advanced ab exercises if you want to really work your midsection. This workout, created by fitness trainer Elise, the founder of Elise’s Body Shop, really works your obliques — the muscles that run along the side of the body.
The internal and external oblique muscles are important muscles in the trunk. Strong obliques are far more than just an aesthetic goal — they help support the ribcage and pelvis and allow the body to twist from side to side, and flex the trunk forward. These movements are essential in day-to-day life, and ignoring the obliques can lead to back pain or injury. Strong obliques will also improve your posture, and allow you to walk, run and lift with better balance.
