Exercise guide
Oblique Crunches
Oblique Crunches lift and rotate the upper torso toward the opposite knee. The abdominal muscles flex the trunk and control the rotational component.
Training context
Muscles Worked by Oblique Crunches
The rectus abdominis contributes to the crunch, while the internal and external obliques help rotate the torso. The exercise does not require a large movement to create abdominal tension.
The elbow does not need to touch the knee. Reaching for contact can encourage neck pulling or excessive momentum.
Technique overview
Lift the shoulder toward the opposite knee
Lie with the legs supported and one hand resting lightly beside the head. Curl one shoulder toward the opposite knee without pulling the neck. Lower slowly, reset the torso, and repeat on the other side.
Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.