Twist - Oblique Seated Barbell

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 10-15 Reps, 20-40 Wght

Beginner Obliques Abdominals Lower Back Strength Barbell Flat Bench Gym Home

Purpose: This exercise works the oblique muscles (side of the waist).

Benefits: Twists are a great way to work your oblique muscles, an often forgotten area which is essential for toned, six-pack abs

Use a barbell without weights. Sit on a flat bench, your back straight, with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the barbell on the top of your shoulders behind your neck, with your hands wider than your shoulders, using an underhand position. This is your starting position. Slowly twist your body to the right as far as you can, keeping the barbell level (do not dip the bar). Breathe normally during this movement. Hold the position briefly (about 1-2 seconds). Return to the starting position. Breathe normally. Pause briefly in this position. This reduces the affects of momentum and decreases the chance of injury. Slowly twist your body to the left as far as you can, keeping the barbell level. Breathe normally during this movement. Hold the position briefly (about 1-2 seconds). Return to the starting position. Breathe normally. Pause briefly in this position. This reduces the affects of momentum and decreases the chance of injury.

The abdominals consist of the abs and the obliques. The obliques and upper abs are both involved in to movements to the side. Barbell side bend exercises are simple enough that virtually anyone can use this technique safely and easily, either at home or at the gym.