Cross-Body Crunch
Trains the Abs and Obliques.
- Equipment
- Bodyweight
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Pull
- Level
- Beginner
How to do it
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- Rest your fingertips lightly beside your ears with your elbows out wide.
- Tuck your chin slightly and brace your stomach.
- Curl up and rotate at the same time, bringing one elbow toward the opposite knee.
- Pause at the top, then lower under control back to the floor.
- Alternate sides, or complete a set on one side before changing.
Common mistakes
- Reaching with the elbow rather than rotating the ribcage. If the shoulder travels but the chest does not turn, the obliques are not doing much. The whole upper torso should rotate.
- Pulling the head across with the hand, which loads the neck.
- Lifting the knee to meet the elbow. The leg can stay where it is — bringing it up shortens the distance and removes most of the work.
- Doing them fast for high repetitions. Rotation under control is the point, and speed replaces the muscle with momentum.