Description

The cross body crunch is a core exercise that targets the abdominal muscles and helps improve core strength and stability.

Starting Position

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands lightly behind your head for support.

Technical Execution

Contract your abs and lift your shoulders off the ground, bringing your right elbow towards your left knee while extending your right leg. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.

Range of Motion

Focus on bringing your shoulder blade off the ground towards the opposite knee to fully engage the obliques.

Variations

To increase difficulty, you can hold a weight plate or dumbbell on your chest or ankles. You can also perform the exercise on a stability ball for added instability.

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes include using momentum to lift the body, not engaging the core muscles properly, and placing strain on the neck by pulling or tugging.

Practical Advice

Ensure to keep your core engaged throughout the movement, focus on controlled movements rather than speed, and exhale as you crunch to fully engage the abdominals.

Additional Notes

It's important to perform the exercise with proper form to prevent injury and maximize the effectiveness of the workout.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Equipment Needed

Body Weight

Primary Muscles

abs

Secondary Muscles