Time is at a premium, and it can be difficult to find time to focus on physical activity, like a 30-minute HIIT workout or a group fitness class. But coach Ranil Pollard has a simple solution. It’s a simple 5-minute ab workout that targets your obliques. Five minutes may not seem like a lot, but Pollard explains that you can plan to take this quick class after you finish a longer PS Fit workout. Or you can try it as a simple way to start your day on a positive note.
This class is set up more like a workout snack than a long workout session, making it the perfect time-sensitive workout without sacrificing effectiveness. Assisted by Pauline Burns and Jay Jordan, this session is designed to work the oblique muscles that surround the sides of your body, essential for developing a stronger, more stable core.
The class begins with a series of wipers, including modifications and how to increase strength by stretching one or both legs at a time. Next up is the crossbody crunch sit-up. The emphasis here is to keep your movements controlled, especially as you return to the ground, and to avoid straining your neck and head. For an added challenge, Pollard leads the class through a series of crab-like bridge variations that target similar oblique muscles throughout the body, such as those used in the side plank position.
This video is short and fun, so it doesn’t include a guided cooldown, but Sweat and Tell’s 6-minute cooldown has you covered. After all, adding a fun 5-minute oblique workout to your workout routine is an easy way to mix and match and stay active.
Whether you want to perform at home, at the gym, or on the go, invite a friend to join you for this short core work session. It doesn’t have to take up too much time in your day. If you’d like to see more videos like this, including dance classes, resistance training, oblique training, and more, the PS Fit YouTube channel has plenty of options for you.
Name: Lanelle Polar
Shirt: Dick’s Sporting Goods
Shorts: Fabletics
Name: Pauline Barnes
Outfit: Old Navy
Name: Jay Jordan
Costume: Vuori
All shoes: ASICS
Jade Esmeralda, MS, CSCS is a Health & Fitness staff writer and strength and conditioning specialist. A lifelong martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength and conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated from George Washington University with a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Strength and Conditioning.
