Any serious muscle builder would want to make sure his or her oblique muscles are well-formed. Almost all muscle builders focus foremost on their abdominals. Without a well-defined abdominal package, you might as well forget being called a muscle builder. You oblique muscles or side abdominals are part of your core muscle group. For those not familiar, the oblique muscles help you bend from the side or twist your torso. With strong oblique muscles, your lower back is well supported, preventing back pain and posture problems. And the best of it all, well-formed oblique muscles slims your waist.

Crunches are one of the most recommended exercises for those gearing to form their oblique muscles. These two variations of the said exercise will guarantee that you will form those side abdominals in no time.

Flutter Kick Oblique Crunches

With a mat on the floor, lie on your back with your hands behind your head. Keep both legs straight about an inch off the floor. Immediately raise one knee up to the elbow that is of the opposite side and try to touch your elbow to that knee. Repeat this step with your other knee and elbow pair for as many repetitions as you can. You will be twisting your torso as you do this exercise. To visualize further, imagine that you are riding a bicycle while lying on your back.

Lying Side Oblique Crunches

With a mat on the floor, lie on your right side with your legs on top of each other while keeping knees bent. Place your left hand on the side of your head, much like covering your left ear. Crunch your side as high as you can, contracting your oblique muscles. Do this for as much repetitions as you can then switch sides.

Remember to keep proper form and maintain control as you do these exercises. Exert you best effort in order to expect maximum results to surface. There are a lot of variations of crunches that you can explore. After these two sets, go look for some more and start firming your abs.