Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The obliques do far more than just “twist” the torso. In strength training, they play a major role in spinal stability, force transfer, bracing mechanics, rotational control, and resisting unwanted movement under load. Whether you squat, deadlift, press, throw, sprint, or carry, the obliques help create the stiffness needed to transfer force efficiently while protecting the spine.
For powerlifters, strong obliques help maintain torso position during heavy squats and pulls by resisting excessive flexion, extension, and lateral collapse. In athletes, they improve rotational power production, deceleration ability, and transfer of force from the lower body to the upper body. Weak obliques often show up as loss of position, energy leaks, instability, or compensations elsewhere.
At WENNING Strength, oblique work isn’t just endless side bends. We use loaded carries, unilateral work, 45-degree back extension oblique bends, cable variations, anti-rotation work, sled drags, and dynamic trunk stability exercises to build real-world strength that transfers to sport and lifting performance.
Train the muscles that protect the spine while producing force—not just the muscles you see in the mirror. Strong obliques help build stronger lifts.
References
Vladimir Zatsiorsky, V. M., & Kraemer, W. J. (2006). Science and Practice of Strength Training (2nd ed.). Human Kinetics.
Stuart McGill, S. M. (2010). Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance (4th ed.). Backfitpro Inc.
Behm, D. G., Drinkwater, E. J., Willardson, J. M., & Cowley, P. M. (2010). Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology position stand: The use of instability to train the core in athletic and non-athletic conditioning. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 35(1), 109–112. doi.org/10.1139/H09-128
Willardson, J. M. (2007). Core stability training: Applications to sports conditioning programs. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(3), 979–985. doi.org/10.1519/R-20255.1
The obliques do far more than just “twist” the torso. In strength training, they play a major role in spinal stability, force transfer, bracing mechanics, rotational control, and resisting unwanted movement under load. Whether you squat, deadlift, press, throw, sprint, or carry, the obliques help create the stiffness needed to transfer force efficiently while protecting the spine.
For powerlifters, strong obliques help maintain torso position during heavy squats and pulls by resisting excessive flexion, extension, and lateral collapse. In athletes, they improve rotational power production, deceleration ability, and transfer of force from the lower body to the upper body. Weak obliques often show up as loss of position, energy leaks, instability, or compensations elsewhere.
At WENNING Strength, oblique work isn’t just endless side bends. We use loaded carries, unilateral work, 45-degree back extension oblique bends, cable variations, anti-rotation work, sled drags, and dynamic trunk stability exercises to build real-world strength that transfers to sport and lifting performance.
Train the muscles that protect the spine while producing force—not just the muscles you see in the mirror. Strong obliques help build stronger lifts.
References
Vladimir Zatsiorsky, V. M., & Kraemer, W. J. (2006). Science and Practice of Strength Training (2nd ed.). Human Kinetics.
Stuart McGill, S. M. (2010). Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance (4th ed.). Backfitpro Inc.
Behm, D. G., Drinkwater, E. J., Willardson, J. M., & Cowley, P. M. (2010). Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology position stand: The use of instability to train the core in athletic and non-athletic conditioning. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 35(1), 109–112. doi.org/10.1139/H09-128
Willardson, J. M. (2007). Core stability training: Applications to sports conditioning programs. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(3), 979–985. doi.org/10.1519/R-20255.1
