Oblique Crunches

A targeted oblique exercise where you crunch diagonally, bringing your elbow toward your opposite knee to develop the side abdominal muscles.

Instructions

1. Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground for stability.
2. Bend your knees and position your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
3. Place one hand beside your head and the other to the side against the floor for balance.
4. Keep your feet elevated and resting on a flat surface.
5. Now lift the shoulder on the same side as your elevated hand.
6. Elevate your body upward until your elbow touches your knee on the opposite side.
7. For example, if your right hand is beside your head, elevate until your right elbow touches your left knee.
8. Lower your body back to the starting position with control.
9. Complete all reps on one side before switching sides.

Tips

• Breathe in during the lowering phase and out during the upward crunch.
• The movement should be smooth and controlled, not jerky.
• Keep your lower back in contact with the floor to prevent strain.
• Perform the same number of repetitions on both sides for balanced development.
• The diagonal crunch motion is what activates the obliques effectively.
• Avoid pulling on your head with your hands; let your core do the work.
• Start with bodyweight and add resistance when ready for progression.