5 Steps to Getting Chiseled Obliques

Getting chiseled obliques and incredible abs doesn't have to be impossible. In this article, we'll take a look at what you can do to reach your goals. It's possible with a good exercise routine and a healthy diet!
5 Steps to Getting Chiseled Obliques

Last update: 13 May, 2019

Indeed, many athletes want strong and toned abs. As such, in this article, we’ll go over the steps you should take for getting chiseled obliques. Get ready to learn what you need to know; happy reading!

Having a strong core is crucial for most kinds of exercise. It also protects you against injuries and back pain. However, getting toned abs isn’t always easy.

Your obliques allow you to move your abs from side to side as well as stabilizing and protecting your spine. They have to work in conjunction with your abdominal muscles to strengthen your abs and enjoy a strong and stable back.

What’s more, getting chiseled obliques will highlight your waist and improve your posture. Below, we’ll give you the best tips you should consider to target them.

Five steps to getting chiseled obliques

1. Don’t overlook them

Most athletes who want to target and strengthen their abs tend to overlook their obliques. However, getting stronger obliques can boost your training and your overall health.

These muscles stabilize your core and play a role in almost all compound lifting movements and in many exercises. In short, it’s crucial to focus on them since they help you progress in any sport you perform.

2. Introduce specific exercises designed for getting chiseled obliques

Many athletes who lift heavy weights definitely work their obliques when doing exercises such as lifting or squats, regardless of its variation.

Getting chiseled abs

Still, further training and adding specific exercises could help to improve weight lifting. What’s more, it may even help to increase the amount you can lift.

3. Know you won’t burn too many calories with oblique training

Often, people wonder how many calories they’re burning during their obliques workout. However, most of the exercises tend to be low-intensity or without much movement involved. As such, they don’t burn as many calories as running or swimming.

What’s more, they can give you the results you want in your abs while burning some calories.

4. Get toned abs doing standing exercises

You can target your obliques through standing exercises if you do them properly. In fact, it’s very simple; just follow these steps:

  • Firstly, stand with your feet a little more than hip-width apart. Your knees should be slightly bent with your hands resting behind the back of your head.
  • Then, lean to the right, bringing your right hand to the floor behind your leg. Return to the center and repeat to the left to complete one repetition.
  • Continue alternating from one side to another to do the number of sets you’d like.

As you may have noticed, it’s a unique exercise that stretches and strengthens your waist at the same time. So, that means it’s ideal for working your obliques.

Woman in studio bicycle crunches

5. Don’t work your obliques before lifting heavy objects

This last tip is important. You shouldn’t train your obliques before lifting heavy objects since it could affect your performance when lifting weights.

Also, make sure that any oblique exercises requiring more weight should be done with fewer repetitions. On the other hand, exercises such as crunches, which don’t require weights, are suitable for more repetitions.

As we’ve mentioned, working your obliques can be a great way to improve weight training performance. Still, don’t overdo it; a couple of sessions per week is all you really need.

Getting chiseled obliques: conclusion

Once you begin to target your obliques and other muscles, you’ll see that they’ll start to take shape. With these five steps to getting chiseled obliques, you’ll be closer to getting the toned physique you’ve always wanted. Go ahead and start training that essential part of your body! What are you waiting for?


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Heredia Elvar, J. R.; Ramón Costa, M. (2004). El entrenamiento de la musculatura abdominal: una visión integradora.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.