Twisting Crunch
Description
The twisting crunch is a core exercise where you perform a standard crunch while rotating your torso to bring one elbow toward the opposite knee. The rotational component recruits the obliques more than a straight crunch, making it one of the simplest ways to train both the rectus abdominis and obliques together.
Equipment Required
Twisting Crunch Instructions
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Place your hands behind your head with fingers lightly touching. Do not pull on your neck.
- Brace your core. Press your lower back into the floor.
- Curl your upper body up and rotate to the right, bringing your left elbow toward your right knee.
- Squeeze your oblique and abs at the top. Hold one second.
- Lower under control back to the floor.
- On the next rep, rotate to the left, bringing your right elbow toward your left knee.
- Continue alternating for the desired total reps.
Twisting Crunch Form & Visual
Twisting Crunch Benefits
- Trains the rectus abdominis and obliques together
- Simple variation of the standard crunch
- No equipment needed — works anywhere
- Easy to learn and perform
- Builds rotational core strength
- Excellent finisher for core workouts
Twisting Crunch Muscles Worked
- Rectus abdominis
- Internal and external obliques
- Hip flexors (secondary)
- Transverse abdominis
Twisting Crunch Variations & Alternatives
- Bicycle Crunch
- Weighted Crunch
- Russian Twist
- Decline Twisting Sit-Up
- Weighted Twisting Crunch
- Tempo Twisting Crunch
