Oblique Crunch

Crunches are often viewed as being an effective remedy for stomach fat and out of shape abdominal muscles, and there are lots of different versions you can do. In fact, depending on the ones you opt to use, you can target the entire core or certain key areas. For instance, the Reverse Crunch targets the lower abs, while the Basic Crunch works the upper and middle abs. But what about the oblique muscles, which can be responsible for developing the “love handles” that often appear on the sides of the waist, due to excess fat and weak muscles? Before we discuss that, you should know that there are actually four sets of oblique muscles, including a set of internal and external abdominal muscles, and experts suggest looking for exercises that work all of them.

The solution to this issue is often the Oblique Crunch, which actually targets and works all the oblique muscles, along with the upper abs, due to the fact that it requires the user to execute both spinal flexion and rotation, which naturally engages the these muscles. The Basic Crunch opens the door to lots of other kinds of crunches, including the Oblique Crunch, and knowing the basics can make doing this exercise easier.

To get into position to do the Oblique Crunch, lie on the floor or your mat with your knees bent and your feet pressed against the floor. Ever so smoothly, and slowly, bring your legs up to the left side until your knees are resting on the floor. Then your finger tips are placed right behind your ears, along both sides of your head. Then you press your lower back against the floor so that the arch is flattened, and hold it there. Moving slowly, roll up until your shoulders are several inches off the floor. You then hold the exercise there, and you’ll notice that your oblique muscles are engaged. Then you can roll back down into your starting position and do the prescribed amount of reps. Once you’ve worked one set of oblique muscles or one side of your core, you can move on to the other.

When designing your core training and stomach fat workout, you can add some variations to the Oblique Crunch. For instance, you can use your legs differently, and these position changes can work other core muscles too. In one of the more popular versions, you lift the feet up off the floor, bringing the knees over the hips, with the shins over the floor, and then do the crunch. To make it easier, you can use a wall or an exercise ball to keep the feet in the right position.

Most trainers stress that individuals doing this exercise should remember to keep their neck and head relaxed, and stress free, to reduce the likelihood of strain or injury. Also, when it comes to reps, many trainers suggest starting with 12 to 16 and doing several sets to achieve the best results.