What Are Your Side Muscles Called? A Complete Guide to Your Side Abs and Obliques

If you've ever done a twist in front of the mirror and noticed that ridge of muscle running along your sides, you might’ve asked: “What are your side muscles called?” Whether you’re sculpting your waistline, powering your rotation in sports, or just trying to understand your anatomy better, this guide is for you.

In the world of fitness, knowing the names of your side muscles isn’t just trivia—it’s the first step in targeting them effectively and training smarter. Let’s break it down.

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What Are the Side Ab Muscles Called?

The main muscles along the side of your abdomen are called the obliques. There are two layers:

• External obliques – These are the larger muscles visible on the sides of your abdomen. They run diagonally from your lower ribs down toward your pelvis.

• Internal obliques – These lie just underneath the external obliques, running in the opposite diagonal direction.

Together, they form the side ab muscles, providing support for your spine, aiding in rotation and side-bending, and playing a crucial role in core stability.

So if you’re looking up terms like “side abs muscle name”, “side muscles name”, or “what are the side muscles called,” you’re essentially referring to the obliques.

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Why Are Side Muscles Important?

The obliques aren’t just there to look good in a tank top. They play key roles in:

• Trunk rotation – Whether you’re swinging a bat, throwing a punch, or twisting to grab something from the back seat, your obliques are doing the work.

• Lateral flexion – That side bend you feel during standing oblique crunches? That’s your internal and external obliques firing.

• Core support – Obliques are part of your core cylinder, helping to stabilize your spine and reduce injury risk.

• Posture and balance – Strong obliques contribute to a balanced, upright posture and improved movement efficiency.

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Side Muscles Beyond the Abs

While most people asking “what are your side muscles called” are referring to the obliques, other muscles contribute to your side body’s strength and movement:

• Serratus anterior – These lie just under the armpit, wrapping around your ribs. While not technically part of the abs, they contribute to that “ripped” look and help stabilize shoulder movement.

• Latissimus dorsi – Running from your lower back to your arms, the lats also influence the contour of your sides, especially around your mid-back.

These muscle groups work together with your obliques to enhance rotational strength and upper-body movement.

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How to Train Your Side Abs

Want to carve out a strong waist and define those side abs? Focus on these moves:

• Russian Twists

• Side Planks

• Cable Woodchoppers

• Bicycle Crunches

• Standing Oblique Crunches

• Landmine Rotations

Consistency is key. Mix these into your weekly routine 2–3 times and focus on control, not speed. Remember: activation and form matter more than reps when targeting the obliques.

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Final Thoughts: Know Your Core

Understanding what your side muscles are called—whether you're searching for “side ab muscles name”, “side abs muscle name”, or the ever-popular “what are the side muscles called”—helps you connect the dots between anatomy and athletic performance.

Strong side abs aren’t just aesthetic. They are functional, powerful, and essential to a well-rounded core.

If you want to improve posture, avoid injury, and perform at your best—don’t skip your oblique work. Side muscles might not get the spotlight like six-pack abs, but in any serious fitness journey, they’re absolutely main characters.