Crunch - Cross Body

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 15-25 Reps

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Beginner Obliques Abdominals Strength Body Only Gym Home

Purpose: Oblique crunch exercises strengthen the side abdominal muscles.

Benefits: Oblique crunch exercises will give you a well-defined mid-section.

Lie on an exercise mat with your lower back pressed against the floor. Place your hands lightly against the sides of your head. Place your feet flat on the floor, your knees at a 90 degree angle. This is the starting position. Slowly raise your shoulders and upper back off the ground twisting to the left and moving your right elbow towards your left knee as you lift it from the floor. Exhale during this movement. Hold this position for 2-3 seconds. Slowly return to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Slowly raise your shoulders and upper back off the ground twisting to the right and moving your left elbow towards your right knee as you lift it from the floor. Exhale during this movement. Hold this position for 2-3 seconds. Slowly return to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. 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.