Knee Raise - Oblique Lying Single

Recommendations: 1-3 Sets, 15-20 Reps

Beginner Obliques Abdominals Hip Flexors Hip Extensors Strength Body Only Compound Gym

Purpose: This exercise strengthens the abdominal muscles.

Benefits: This exercise brings many abdominal muscles into play and trains the deep core muscles.

Lie on an exercise mat with your lower back pressed against the floor. Your arms are placed on the floor diagonally for support. Hold your legs straight out with the knees straight and point your toes. This is the starting position. Slowly, pull your knees towards your chest and to the right side until your glutes start coming off the floor. Exhale during this movement. Slowly return to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions. Slowly, pull your knees towards your chest and to the left side until your glutes start coming off the floor. Exhale during this movement. Slowly return to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.


The abs can be divided into the abdominals themselves and the obliques. The obliques are the outer abs and are used in twisting movements. For the sake of exercising, the abdominals are sometimes divided into upper abs and lower abs (this is not a technical division but something for exercising). Both upper and lower abs are used in straight line ab exercises while the upper abs are also involved in twisting movements.

Step 1

Lie on an exercise mat, lower back against the floor, your legs straight, toes pointed.

knee-raise-oblique-lying-single-step-0

Lie on an exercise mat with your lower back pressed against the floor. Your arms are placed on the floor diagonally for support. Hold your legs straight out with the knees straight and point your toes. This is the starting position.

Step 2

Slowly, pull your knees towards your chest and to your right side until your glutes start coming off the bench.

knee-raise-oblique-lying-single-step-1

Slowly, pull your knees towards your chest until your glutes and to your right side start coming off the floor. Keep your toes pointed and contract your ab muscles. Exhale during this movement.

Step 3

Return to the starting position.

knee-raise-oblique-lying-single-step-2

Slowly return to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Lie with lower back against the floor, your legs straight, toes pointed. Repeat as required.

Step 4

Slowly, pull your knees towards your chest and to your left side until your glutes start coming off the bench.

knee-raise-oblique-lying-single-step-3

Slowly, pull your knees towards your chest until your glutes and to your left side start coming off the floor. Keep your toes pointed and contract your ab muscles. Exhale during this movement.

Step 5

Return to the starting position.

knee-raise-oblique-lying-single-step-4

Slowly return to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Lie with lower back against the floor, your legs straight, toes pointed. Repeat as required.