Ab - Iso Crossover

Recommendations: 1-3 Sets, 10-15 Reps

Beginner Obliques Abdominals Hip Flexors Hip Extensors Strength Body Only Gym

Purpose: This exercise strengthens the abdominal muscles.

Benefits: This exercise brings many abdominal muscles into play and trains the deep core muscles.

Lie on an exercise mat with your lower back pressed against the floor. Hold your legs straight out with the knees straight and point your toes. Place your hands lightly against the sides of your head. This is the starting position. Slowly, pull your left knee towards your chest and to the right side until your glutes start coming off the floor. At the same time, curl your shoulders and upper back up and twist to the left side so that your right elbow and left knee touch. Exhale during this movement. Slowly return to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Hold your legs straight out with the knees straight and point your toes. Place your hands lightly against the sides of your head. Slowly, pull your right knee towards your chest and to the left side until your glutes start coming off the floor. At the same time, curl your shoulders and upper back up and twist to the right side so that your left elbow and right knee touch. Exhale during this movement. Slowly return to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Hold your legs straight out with the knees straight and point your toes. Place your hands lightly against the sides of your head. Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.

The abs can be divided into the abdominals themselves and the obliques. The obliques are the outer abs and are used in twisting movements. For the sake of exercising, the abdominals are sometimes divided into upper abs and lower abs (this is not a technical division but something for exercising). Both upper and lower abs are used in straight line ab exercises while the upper abs are also involved in twisting movements.