The phrase "external obliques" refers to a pair of abdominal muscles on the sides of our body. They help with bending sideways and twisting movements of our torso. Full definition
Additionally, the rectus abdominis and external oblique display high levels of muscle activity during a number of less traditional compound exercises such as when strongman events like the tire flip, atlas stone lift, and shouldered keg walk. (strengthandconditioningresearch.com)
The straight - leg sit up and swiss ball jack knife displayed greater external oblique muscle activity than the back squat and overhead squat. (strengthandconditioningresearch.com)
The long lever plank variations resulted in higher external oblique muscle activity compared to the standard plank variations, irrespective of posterior pelvic tilt. (strengthandconditioningresearch.com)