DETAILS: Located beneath the external oblique, but closer to the surface than the transverse abdominus, the internal oblique is an opposing force to the diaphragm, reducing upper chest cavity volume during exhalation.
FUNCTION: Rotation of the trunk and side bending (pulls midline and ribcage towards lower back/hip). Internal obliques are “same side rotators” meaning that it works with the opposing external oblique when flexing/rotating the torso. For example, if you are in a torso twist and rotating you trunk to the right, you will primarily be focusing on your right external and left internal oblique.
APPLICABLE EXERCISES: Side plank, torso twist, etc.
