oblique – Muscle positioned on the sides of the torso which assists body rotation and bending

(Pronounced uh-bleek)

To remember the meaning of oblique, use the following mnemonic:

It's going to be a bleak (oblique) winter. It's freezing outside but inside (side of the body) it's warm.

The oblique muscles are a group of abdominal muscles located on the sides of the torso that play a crucial role in core stability and movement. There are two types, the external obliques, which are the outermost layer running diagonally from the lower ribs to the pelvis, and the internal obliques, which lie deeper and run in the opposite diagonal direction. These muscles work together to enable several important movements including lateral flexion (bending sideways), rotation of the torso (twisting movements), and flexion of the spine (bending forwards). 

The obliques also help compress the abdominal contents and assist with breathing, as well as being essential for maintaining good posture and core stability. They are most engaged during activities like throwing, swinging a bat, or any movement that involves twisting or bending the body sideways.