Oblique Crunch: How-to, Tips & More
The Oblique Crunch is a beginner isolation exercise for your obliques. You do it with bodyweight. It is a good fit when your goal is muscle growth.
Besides the obliques, it also works your abs, so it fits well in a session that trains those muscles together.
Muscles worked
Obliques
Primary
Abs
Secondary
How to do the Oblique Crunch
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and hands behind your head.
- Crunch up and bring one elbow toward the opposite knee.
- Lower slowly.
- Alternate sides each rep.
Oblique Crunch tips
- Lead with your shoulder, not your elbow.
Sets and reps
Most lifters do well with 15 to 30 reps per set, and 15 to 30 reps is where this exercise tends to work best. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve on every set, and add weight once you can complete all your sets at the top of the range. It also works well in a superset with an exercise for the opposite muscles.
Equipment
Bodyweight
Type
Isolation
Oblique Crunch alternatives
More obliques exercises
45 Degree Side Bend
Hyperextension bench
Cable Rotation
Cable machine
Cable Woodchopper
Cable machine
Dumbbell Side Bend
Dumbbells
Hanging Oblique Knee Raise
Pull up bar
Kettlebell Windmill
Kettlebells
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Oblique Crunch work?
The Oblique Crunch mainly works your obliques, with help from your abs.
How many sets and reps should I do?
A good starting point is 15 to 30 reps per set, and many lifters get the best results between 15 to 30 reps. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve.
Is the Oblique Crunch good for beginners?
Yes. The Oblique Crunch is considered beginner and is a good choice if you are new to training. Start light and focus on form.
What equipment do I need for the Oblique Crunch?
You need bodyweight.
Add Oblique Crunch to your program
Bite fills in your weights, tracks your progress and tells you when to go heavier.
Coming soon