Side Crunch

Target Muscle

Secondary Muscles

Equipment

1

Place your left hand behind your head, with your elbow pointing towards the ceiling.

2

Slowly lift your torso using your waist muscles while keeping your arms and neck relaxed, aiming to bring your left elbow towards your left hip.

3

Hold this position for a few seconds, feeling the contraction in your oblique muscles.

4

Slowly lower your torso back to the starting position, then repeat the process for the desired number of repetitions before switching to the other side.

Pro Tip

**Engage the Core**: The side crunch is an excellent exercise for targeting your obliques, but only if you're engaging your core effectively. Make sure you're actively tightening your abdominal muscles throughout the exercise, not just relying on the motion itself to do the work. **Controlled Movement**: Another common mistake is rushing through the exercise. It's not about how many reps you can do, but the quality of each rep. Make sure to perform each crunch slowly and with control, focusing on the contraction and release of your muscles. **Breathing Technique**: Remember to breathe properly. Inhale as you lower your body and exhale as you crunch up