Exercises · waist

Twisting Crunch

A crunch variation with a rotation to engage the obliques and upper abdominals.

waistobliquesbody weightbeginnerisolation

Secondary muscles

rectus abdominiship flexors

How to do it

  1. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat.
  2. Place hands lightly behind your head.
  3. Crunch up, twisting your torso to bring one shoulder toward the opposite knee.
  4. Return to start and repeat to the other side.
  5. Alternate sides for each repetition.

Form cues

  • Twist from the torso
  • Elbow toward knee
  • Avoid pulling neck
  • Keep lower back down

Common mistakes

  • Pulling on the head/neck
  • Not rotating enough
  • Lifting lower back

Breathing

Exhale as you crunch and twist, inhale as you return.

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