How To Do & Muscles Worked

oblique crunches

Oblique crunches are a core exercise that work all of the abdominal muscles, even the side abdominals. Strengthening the abdominals is crucial for maintaining a stable lower back, especially with lifting tasks. The side abs are called obliques and they create a toned side waistline.

DIFFICULTY
Easy
Moderate
Challenging

Which Muscles Are Worked?

Diagram of primary and secondary muscles worked from Oblique crunches

Primary Muscles

Side Abs

Secondary Muscles

Abs Neck Hip Flexors

Exercise Type

How to do oblique crunches Properly

Step by Step Guide

Begin lying on your side with the legs slightly bent and stacked one on top of the other. Place your bottom hand on your tummy (so you can feel your side abs) and your top hand behind your head with the head resting on the ground.

Crunch your top elbow toward your top hip bone as you raise the head and shoulders off the ground slightly.

Then, lower back down to the ground and relax your head.

Repeat for the desired repetitions, on both sides.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is performing the movement mostly from the head and arm instead of focusing the movement at the torso. Pretend as if you’re drawing the armpit toward the hip. Close the space between those two by side bending the torso. This will fire those obliques and work them more effectively.