5 Best Ab and Oblique Workouts: Core Strength in Santa Clarita

Women all want to feel good and look good, regardless of age. We exercise and watch our diet, hoping to achieve a lean figure. We run, we squat, we press, we push. And when it comes to our tummies, many of us turn to crunches, sit-ups, and planks to get a trim waistline.

Yet, if those are the only movements you are doing, you may be missing out on crucial exercises that can make all the difference in getting the hourglass shape you are striving for.

The Paseo Club in Santa Clarita has offered fitness programs for over two decades, including group classes, small group classes, and personal training. We spoke to some of our expert instructors and got the inside scoop about what the best ab and oblique workouts are for women.

In this article, you will learn why strengthening your abs is important, what exercises you can do to strengthen your core, and where you can go in Santa Clarita to get the best ab workouts.

Why women need to do ab and oblique workouts

Although the aesthetic of taut abs appeals to most of us, many women do not naturally have flat stomachs. This is due to several factors — genetics, dietary choices, becoming pregnant and having children, hormonal changes in perimenopause, and sometimes, medical conditions.

Having a lean physique certainly can help us feel more confident and fit into the clothes we want. However, there are also health benefits to having a strong core.

Balance and Stability

A strong core helps you maintain your balance — an important part of many sports, including tennis and running. People also need balance for doing daily tasks, such as climbing a ladder, picking up kids, or doing the laundry. As we age, we naturally lose our sense of balance, so core workouts are just as important for older women, if not more so.

Posture

With so many people working on computers at desks, there has been a sharp rise in “Tech Neck.” This neck thrusted forward and shoulders and back rounded position, has created an epidemic of back problems. One of the best anecdotes to desk time (and doomscrolling) is to develop stronger ab and oblique muscles that strengthen your core and help keep your spine aligned.

Improves Sports/Fitness Performance

When you have a strong core, you are a better athlete overall. You can hit the ball more effectively in tennis, you can lift heavier, and your yoga is even more dynamic. Your abs and obliques are an essential part of how your body functions and a strong core enhances how your arms and legs function, as well as how your body operates as a whole.

Reduces Pain and Risk of Injury

Thousands of people suffer from back pain. If you include injuries from sports or daily life, the numbers get even higher. Although strong abs will not cure all that ails you, research shows that it can decrease lower back pain and increase overall body functionality.

5 Best Ab and Oblique Workouts for Women

Work your abs and obliques by combining different types of exercises throughout the week. Everyday can be an ab day, so make sure to integrate these movements into your daily routine.

1. Planks and more planks

Planks can be done one your hands, on your forearms, on either side of the body, and in reverse. Add in some dips or “cherry pickers” lifting one hand and tapping the opposite shoulder, then switch to the other hand. Tabatas are a great way to plank. You work for 20 seconds and rest for 10 eight times. In only four minutes you’ll have gotten a great ab workout.

2. Crunch

Whether you do sit-ups, v-ups, bicycles, or some other form of crunches, these movements are awesome for your rectus abdominis — also known as the "six-pack" muscle. They will tire you out quickly so do several bursts taking a break of a minute or two in between sets.

3. Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers are a great exercise because they combine cardio and ab work in one. Get into plank position and then alternating bringing one foot, then the other, to as close as possible to the outside of your hand. Bounce a bit as you move to keep it dynamic.

4. Russian Twists

Russian Twists take ab and oblique workouts to the next level since you use a weight. While sitting back balanced on your bottom with your back straight and legs and feet hovering above the ground, take a weight (weighted ball, kettlebell, or dumbbell) and lean to one side gently, almost tapping the weight to the floor, and then turn and do the other side. This requires a lot of balance, control, and full core engagement.

5. Lying Leg Raises

The majority of ab and oblique exercises target the upper or middle ab zones. However, if you suffer from a “mom belly,” you may be looking for movements that get your lower abs. That is where lying leg raises come in. They look simple, but in reality they will work you over. Lay on your back on a mat and place your feet up into the air so your body is at 90 degrees. Using just your core, lift your legs up toward the ceiling. This lifts your sacrum and lower back up and off the mat. Then lower it down again. You’ll be amazed how few of these you do to start feeling the burn.

Santa Clarita Ab Workouts

The exercises listed above can easily be done at home or in a gym, but sometimes it is preferable to train in a class. Group fitness classes can help you stay accountable, learn proper technique, and enjoy the camaraderie of other people attending the class.

The Santa Clarita Valley boasts several options for great workout classes that focus on core and obliques.

• Golds Gym

• Henry Mayo

• Crossfit SCV

• Crunch Fitness

• Afterburn Fitness

• Hardcore Fitness

Getting toned at The Paseo Club

If you are looking for the club community with the most diverse options for fitness and fun, then The Paseo Club is the right place for you. With over 50 fitness classes and 30 Pilates classes each week, you have endless choices.

The courts beckon too! Try out one of our pickleball or tennis drills, or meet friends for drop-in play.

There are several social events every month. Check out Wine Down Wednesday, the Professional Mixer, and holiday parties. The Paseo Club is a great place to make life-long friends.

The Paseo Club is your home away from home. Schedule a tour and explore all eight acres of our grounds. If you are ready to join today, simply sign up online and get instant access to swimming, courts, classes, social events, childcare, a spa, a cafe, and more!

We can’t wait to see you!