What are Obliques

Ever heard of your obliques? They're those muscles on your sides that help you twist, bend, and keep your body balanced. Strong obliques are like happy helpers for your core, making everyday activities easier and keeping your back supported.

Your Obliques like a built-in binder for your core. They wrap around your waist like a belt, holding everything together. Just like a girdle supports your waist, strong and flexible obliques help hold your spine upright. They're like a criss-cross corset on the sides, helping you twist, bend, and move without straining your back. Weak obliques are like shaky scaffolding for the tower. They can't properly support your spine, which can lead to aches and pains. Strong obliques, on the other hand, are like strong support beams. They keep your spine aligned and stable, preventing hunching and back pain. Tight or weak obliques can pull your shoulders forward, leading to that hunched-over look. By stretching and strengthening your obliques with yoga, you can help improve your posture and stand taller and straighter.

How Yoga Can help you with Healthy Obliques

Yoga is like a magic twist for your obliques! Many yoga poses involve gentle stretches and twists that reach the sides of your body. These stretches help loosen up any tightness and make your obliques more flexible. Strong, flexible obliques are like amazing built-in bodyguards for your spine. They help you move with ease and prevent pain by keeping your core stable and your back supported. So next time you're on the yoga mat, remember you're giving your obliques some love, which in turn keeps your whole back happy!

Beginner Poses

• Side Plank (Vasisthasana): This pose strengthens your obliques and improves your balance. Start in Plank Pose, then rotate your body to the side and stack your feet on top of each other. Raise your top arm and gaze up towards your fingertips. Hold for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.
• Revolved Side Angle Pose (Parivrtta Parsvakonasana): This pose stretches your obliques and spine. Start in Standing Forward Bend, then twist your torso to the side and raise your arms. Hold for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.
• Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): This pose stretches your obliques and hamstrings. Stand with your feet wide apart, then bend your right knee and reach your right hand down towards your shin or foot. Raise your left arm straight up towards the ceiling. Hold for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.

Intermediate Poses

• Revolved Triangle Pose (Parivrtta Trikonasana): This pose is a more challenging version of Triangle Pose. Start in Triangle Pose, then twist your torso to the side and raise your arms. Hold for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.
• Extended Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana): This pose is a deeper version of Triangle Pose. Start in Triangle Pose, then straighten your front leg and reach your front arm down towards your foot. Hold for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.
• Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana): This pose is a challenging balancing pose. Start in Standing Forward Bend, then step forward with your right leg and raise your arms. Hold for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.

Advanced Poses

• Boat Pose (Navasana): This pose strengthens your core and improves your balance. Start seated on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your knees and bring your feet flat on the floor, then lift your hips off the floor and lean back. Hold for a few breaths, then lower back down to the floor.
• Marichyasana III (Marichi's Pose III): This pose stretches your obliques and spine. Start seated on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and bring your right foot flat on the floor on the outside of your left thigh. Twist your torso to the right and wrap your left arm around your right shin or calf. Reach your right arm behind you and place your hand on the floor behind you. Hold for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.
• Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana (Revolved Half Moon Pose): This pose is a challenging balancing pose that stretches your obliques and spine. Start in Standing Forward Bend, then step forward with your right leg and raise your arms. Twist your torso to the right and reach your left arm down towards your foot. Hold for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.
• Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) with twist: This pose is a variation of Downward-Facing Dog that stretches your obliques and spine. Start in Downward-Facing Dog, then twist your torso to the right and reach your left arm up towards the ceiling. Hold for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.
• Supta Matsyendrasana (Supine Twist): This pose stretches your obliques and spine. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Bring your right knee to your chest and hug it in with both arms. Gently lower your right knee to the left side of your body, keeping your shoulders grounded on the mat. Gaze to the right. Hold for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.
• Bharadvajasana (Bharadvaja's Twist): This pose stretches your obliques and spine. Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and bring your right foot flat on the floor on the outside of your left thigh. Twist your torso to the right and wrap your left arm around your right shin or calf. Reach your right arm behind you and place your hand on the floor behind you. Hold for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.
• Marjariasana (Cat Pose) with Parivrtta (Twist) (Marjariasana + Parivrtta): This pose is a combination of Cat Pose and Twist Pose that stretches your obliques and spine. Start on your hands and knees, with your shoulders stacked over your wrists and your hips stacked over your knees. As you inhale, arch your back and look up towards the ceiling (cow pose). As you exhale, round your back and tuck your chin to your chest (cat pose). With each exhale, twist your torso slightly to the right, bringing your gaze to look over your right shoulder. Inhale and return to center, then repeat on the other side.
So there you have it! With these yoga poses, you can stretch and strengthen your obliques, leading to a happier, healthier back. Remember to listen to your body and choose poses that feel comfortable for you. Don't be afraid to modify or skip poses if needed. With consistent practice, you'll be feeling the benefits of strong obliques in no time! Happy stretching!