10 Best Oblique Exercises for a V Cut Physique

The V-Cut is often a sought after look among many men in the gym. Guys all over want the V-Cut physique, work hard for it, and struggle to get results they want. While it takes hard work and dedication, consider the top 10 oblique exercises for a V-Cut look ahead to help achieve your goals. 

The content ahead describes the muscles involved in a V-Cut physique, exercises to try for success, and tips for your successful journey. 

What is a V-Cut Look?

The V-Cut look is an appearance that is created by working the abdominal muscles, mostly the obliques. This look creates a virtual “V” that starts at the diaphragm and runs to the pubic region. To master this physique, consider the muscles and actions of the obliques and surrounding abdominal muscles. 

The Most Important Muscles in A V-Cut Look 

There are two oblique muscles to focus and pay attention to when building a V-Cut physique. Let’s examine the muscles you need to target for success. 

• External Obliques. The external obliques are larger abdominal muscles that rest on the lateral portion of the abdomen. Considered to be long and rectangular, the external obliques create twisting motions with the torso and lateral flexion. Creating the V-Cut look cannot happen with your focusing on this portion of the abdomen. 
• Internal Obliques. The internal obliques are located just under the external obliques and also help to support trunk mobility. This smaller, deeper muscle works with the external obliques to create trunk rotation and twisting movements as the primary function. It also plays a role in trunk stability, lateral flexion, and slight spinal flexion support. 
• Abdominals. The abdominal muscles are included here because they are still vital to a V-Cut look. Working the entire abdominal muscles and core are essential for this appearance and targeting the rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis, and posterior muscles is crucial for results.

The Top 10 Oblique Exercises for a Stunning V-Cut Look 

Here are the top 10 exercises to incorporate in your workout to help you achieve success in a V-Cut look. 

1. Seated Oblique Twists. A staple in any oblique exercise program, the seated oblique twist involves twisting to each side using the trunk. It can be performed with a workout partner or alone, and with resistance or body weight. This exercise targets the obliques and is a must-do if you are working towards the V-Cut look.  
2. Hanging Knee Raises and Twists. A pull-up bar is probably the best option for this exercise, but if you have a Captain’s chair handy, this is preferred. The knee raise portion of this exercise targets the core, but the twisting motion by the lower half is great on the obliques. 
3. Weighted Russian Twists. Known as the best option to target the obliques, the Russian twist is an advanced option for fast results. Use a kettlebell or dumbbell for resistance and secure the feet under a couch, with a partner holding them, or under weights to keep the lower half steady. 
4. Woodchops. Another advanced option for people looking for results, woodchops using the cable machine adds resistance for hypertrophy training. Studies have demonstrated that a standing woodchop exercise can be a reliable option to work the obliques, especially with higher weights for power exercise. 
5. Weighted Side Crunch. The side crunch targets the obliques and uses solely a lateral flexion movement. This lateral flexion does wonders on the outer side of the body and adding a dumbbell or weight plate to the mix can help to increase the intensity. 
6. Windshield Wipers. Considered a complete core workout, the side-to-side movements of this exercise targets the obliques greatly. Resistance isn’t really necessary with this exercise, but adding light ankle weights helps to add more intensity. 
7. Side Planks. The side plank is predominantly isometric-based training. This different movement adds a different dimension to isometric actions and can help to add strength, bulk, and definition. 
8. Pallof Press. Add the Pallof press to the mix in your workout for eccentric and concentric training on the obliques and core. This exercise uses reverse logic that has your body working to hold resistance in front of the body while letting the core and obliques do all of the work to prevent rotational movements.
9. Weighted Ball Rotation Throws. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable functional exercises, the weighted ball throws help to work the core while relieving stress. Use a smash ball or weighted medicine ball and perform the rotation throws like you are launching materials at a construction site. The key to this exercise is to focus on rotating with the torso rather than using the arms. 
10. Bicycle Crunches. A standard in the fitness industry, bicycle crunches are easy to perform at any time. There is no resistance needed with this exercise and bodyweight movements are more than ideal. Focus on rotational movements at the torso to maximize your bicycle crunches rather than shoulder or arm movements. 

Tips for Success

With the top 10 oblique exercises for a V-Cut look in mind, it is crucial to have on-point programming. Consider these tips to boost your efficiency. 

• Aim for hypertrophy at all times when possible. This means that if you have the chance to add weight, then give it a try. Push your body to do more even if you can only do a couple reps. Hypertrophy training includes heavy resistance and fewer reps, usually no more than 8 reps. 
• Focus on the core and obliques during all movements. If you are twisting, then use your torso as much as possible. It may take time to master this mind-muscle connection, but it’ll help in the long-term and will quickly have you reach goals in no time. 
• Slow and controlled movements are better than faster. The obliques work hard, which means they are exposed to small tears. Focus on controlled movements to prevent injuries so you can keep working hard and if you add resistance to any of your workouts, just be mindful not to overdo it. 

Conclusion 

The information above serves as a complete guide in working the obliques for a V-Cut look. Consider the top 10 oblique exercises for a V-Cut to reach your fitness goals. Controlled and targeted movements can help you to reach your goals faster while preventing injuries from all over. 

Resources 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/oblique-external-abdominal-muscle

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK551649

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27806016