Oblique Crunch

The Oblique Crunch is an abdominal toning exercise that works to flatten tummy regions in the same way that just many other abdominal toning routines do. It repeatedly contracts the muscles of the midsection by means of the participant’s motion. Yet, the oblique crunch is somewhat distinct from certain other routines because it aims to focus not only on the muscles of the central midsection but also on the oblique muscles, which are located on the sides of the torso.

Oblique Crunches start with the participant lying flat on the floor with knees bent and feet planted firmly. While in a normal crunch the knees are up in the air, in an Oblique Crunch the individual twists his or her lower body at the hips, bringing the legs all the way down to the floor on one side. From this position the individual performs an otherwise normal crunch by flattening the small of the back against the ground, lifting the shoulders with hands behind the head, and holding the utmost position of the crunch. The individual then puts his or her legs on the other side and repeats the routine an equal number of times on each side. When done correctly and repeatedly on a regular basis, the Oblique Crunch should prove to be an effective means for helping participants flatten tummy muscles in the middle of the midsection and along the sides.