Advice for filling in obliques.

[BlackJackMac]

I'm a typical "ectomorph," just under 5'7" and around 127 lbs (7% bf), trying to get in shape for boxing, but i'm having a real difficult time developing my obliques, something i'll probably need to be able to handle body shots well. I've been doing russian twists and side crunches like crazy recently but can't seem to make any decent progress. The corners of my ribcage tend to stick out, so I want to try to make that much less visible as well. *pic included*

I've got access to a very good gym but it doesn't have an oblique twist machine, which makes my goal a bit tricky. Otherwise, they've got just about everything.

Any recommendations re: specific exercises and repetitions would be great!

[mobikwa]

You wont gain anything if you don't eat enough. Eat more and lift.

[samcorin]

At your current weight you will have to eat more tho build any muscle. Just eat to your nutritional needs and work hard. If you want exercises for your obliques then research it on Youtube or Google

[BlackJackMac]

At your current weight you will have to eat more tho build any muscle. Just eat to your nutritional needs and work hard. If you want exercises for your obliques then research it on Youtube or Google

Eating won't be a problem for me, but since i'm in college and living on campus, should I really be very worried about the fat content of the food here? I'd like to keep my bf % as low as I can, but will it matter if i'm working out hard enough?

[samcorin]

Eating won't be a problem for me, but since i'm in college and living on campus, should I really be very worried about the fat content of the food here? I'd like to keep my bf % as low as I can, but will it matter if i'm working out hard enough?

I am also currently at college, I bring in my own food. Just pack some high calorie-low fat foods. But like I said, at your weight you shouldn't have to worry about fat content in foods (to an extent).

[grobblepot]

have you tried side planks? look it up im sure my eexplanation won't be as good as a video. you lay on your side, then lean on your left or right arm (so your forearm is flat on the ground), then you make your torso straight and tense your core. its very similar to a regular plank.

[BloodType3R]

Weighted planks and unilateral kettlebell work (swings, cleans, snatches, get-ups, etc) would be extremely useful for your sport.

and eat.. alot.

[BlackJackMac]

have you tried side planks? look it up im sure my eexplanation won't be as good as a video. you lay on your side, then lean on your left or right arm (so your forearm is flat on the ground), then you make your torso straight and tense your core. its very similar to a regular plank.

I do those too, usually for one minute each. Would it make any difference if I did them with my arm straight?

[InspecktaDeck]

Weighted planks

This. I do these alot for core strength and abs are semi visable thru my blubber

[Tommy W.]

I'm a typical "ectomorph," just under 5'7" and around 127 lbs (7% bf), trying to get in shape for boxing, but i'm having a real difficult time developing my obliques, something i'll probably need to be able to handle body shots well. I've been doing russian twists and side crunches like crazy recently but can't seem to make any decent progress. The corners of my ribcage tend to stick out, so I want to try to make that much less visible as well. *pic included*

I've got access to a very good gym but it doesn't have an oblique twist machine, which makes my goal a bit tricky. Otherwise, they've got just about everything.

Any recommendations re: specific exercises and repetitions would be great!

You have a good oblique "starter kit" going. You just need to fill in overall and you'll be fine. Don't prioritize oblique training, trust me, just train hard and they'll fill in just fine.

[BlackJackMac]

Did some good side planks, as well as some different twists with a cable machine tonight, felt great! Thank you guys for the advice!

[repsandsets]

For core strength, I'd recommend all the classic big standing lifts like squats and barbell military press. Choose standing rather than sitting exercises, so your spine is not supported by the bench. And find ways to make your obliques work harder, like doing unilateral moves - one arm at a time, to create a diagonal force across your core that your obliques must resist.

If you're training for boxing, you're training for functional strength rather than hypertrophy. To resist punches, you want exercises that create a powerful isometric contraction. Plus, obviously lots and lots of pad work!