Exercise guide
Side Shuffle Obliques Twist
- Beginner
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Lower legs
- Shoulders
- Upper legs
- Waist
This dynamic movement combines lateral agility with core rotation to target the obliques and lower body simultaneously. It is highly effective for improving coordination, heart rate, and rotational power while engaging the glutes and quads through the shuffle.
Reviewed by the Crucible Fit team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent in an athletic, partial-squat stance.
- Bring your hands together at chest height or place your fingertips behind your ears with elbows flared.
- Ensure you have 5-10 feet of clear space to your left and right.
How to do it
- Take two quick, controlled shuffle steps to the right, staying low and keeping your feet parallel.
- Upon landing the second step, drive your left knee up toward your chest while rotating your torso to bring your right elbow toward the rising knee.
- Exhale sharply during the twist to maximize oblique contraction, then inhale as you return your foot to the floor.
- Immediately repeat the sequence by shuffling two steps to the left and performing the knee-to-elbow twist on the opposite side.
Form checklist
- Keep your chest lifted and avoid rounding your shoulders during the shuffle.
- Focus on rotating from the ribcage rather than just pulling your elbows forward.
- Maintain a soft bend in the knees at all times to absorb impact.
- Keep your core braced and belly button pulled toward your spine throughout the movement.
Pro tips
- Imagine wringing out a towel with your torso during the twist to deepen the mind-muscle connection with your obliques.
- Stay on the balls of your feet during the shuffle to increase agility and keep the glutes engaged.
Make it harder
- Increase the speed of the shuffle and the explosiveness of the knee drive to turn it into a high-intensity cardio move.
- Hold a light medicine ball or water bottle at chest height to add rotational resistance.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the side shuffle obliques twist work?
- The side shuffle obliques twist primarily targets the abs, glutes, obliques, and quadriceps, and also works the erector spinae as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the side shuffle obliques twist?
- The side shuffle obliques twist requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the side shuffle obliques twist good for beginners?
- Yes. The side shuffle obliques twist is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.
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