Oblique Crunch

Body region

• Core

Muscles

Main

• External Oblique
• Internal Oblique

Helps

• Rectus Abdominis

Holds

• Quadratus Lumborum
• Transversus Abdominis

Technique

1. Lie on your back with knees bent, then let both knees drop to one side.
2. Place the fingertips lightly behind your head.
3. Curl your shoulders up toward the ceiling, keeping the knees down.
4. Lower slowly, finish the set, then switch sides.

Cues

• Lift straight up toward the ceiling rather than toward the knees.
• Keep the movement small and controlled.

Common mistakes

• Pulling on the neck.
• Letting the knees come back up to center.

Alternatives

• Cross-Body Crunch
• Side Plank