Machine Oblique Crunch

Level
beginner
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

A core flexion and rotation exercise performed on a machine that isolates the oblique muscles through controlled rotational crunching movements.

Instructions

  1. Select an appropriate weight and sit down on the oblique crunch machine.
  2. Position your body so that one side is against the pad, with your upper torso rotated toward the machine.
  3. Grip the handles at chest level with both hands, keeping your arms bent.
  4. Plant your feet firmly on the floor for stability and balance.
  5. Contract your oblique muscles and crunch your torso downward and toward the side, rotating around your spine.
  6. Move the handles down toward your hip as you crunch, focusing on the oblique contraction.
  7. Pause briefly at the bottom position, squeezing the obliques.
  8. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions before switching sides.

Tips

  • Use light to moderate weight and focus on controlled movement rather than heavy resistance.
  • Keep your head and neck neutral; do not pull with your neck.
  • Concentrate on feeling your obliques contract with each repetition.
  • Maintain steady breathing throughout the exercise.
  • Avoid jerky or explosive movements; maintain a smooth, controlled tempo.
  • Perform equal reps on both sides for balanced development.

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Reps Weight
Male Female
Gain strength 3 15 reps 17 kg 13 kg
Build muscle 3 18 reps 15 kg 12 kg
Build endurance 3 25 reps 11 kg 9 kg