Stomach Exercises for the Obliques
Oblique Floor Crunches /
Twisting Crunches

Oblique Floor Crunches/ Twist Crunches are a great way to work your internal and external oblique muscles on the sides of your waist.

The oblique muscles get their name because they are oriented on an angle. They attach various points of the ribs to the pelvis.

Interestingly, the internal oblique and external oblique actually work quite well when you're doing a basic crunch moving straight forward.

However, the obliques work at maximum effectiveness when you do twisting crunches or rotational motions. In addition, the obliques work at maximum effectiveness when your body does side bending movements.

So if you want to work your obliques as much as possible, you need to incorporate rotational exercises, twist crunches, and side bending motions.

Now, I need to be honest with you...

Doing oblique floor crunches will not magically melt off your love handles.

Don't leave the page just yet, and don't get frustrated. The fitness and weight loss industry keeps perpetuating the spot reduction myth because it's so profitable.

If you want to get rid of your love handles, you need to burn fat, and on this site I'll tell you exactly what to do. Ab exercises help, but your truly need a comprehensive approach that includes aerobic exercise, weight training, and sound nutrition.

Okay, back to the exercises...

There are many benefits to working your obliques. One of the main benefits is an increase in core stabilization which protects your lower back. Your lower back is vulnerable when your body twists, so strengthening your obliques helps to support your back.

Your spine moves in many directions, so you need to exercise your muscles in many directions.

Here's two variations of oblique floor crunches.

Oblique Floor Crunches: Feet Flat Twisting Crunches

Starting Position: Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your hands behind your head.

Form: Exhale as you lift your shoulder blades off the floor. When you get half way up, start to rotate your body so that your left elbow moves towards your right knee. Hold at the top for 1 second and slowly lower to the starting position.

Personal Trainer Tips: Keep your elbow in the same position throughout the movement. Focus on rotating and twisting your trunk, not on moving your elbow. Do 8-15 repetitions going to the same side and then switch sides.

Variation: This exercise can also be performed in an alternating fashion going from the right side to the left side.

Oblique Floor Crunches: Legs Crossed Twisting Crunches

Starting Position: Lie on your back with your right leg crossed over your left knee and your hands behind your head.

Personal Trainer Tips: Keep your elbow in the same position throughout the movement. Focus on rotating and twisting your trunk, not on moving your elbow.

Oblique Crunches are a great ab exercise. When I'm working one-on-one with clients, I always teach them oblique exercises, and incorporate them into my personal training programs.

If you've been doing ab machines that only go front to back and neglecting twisting motions, try adding oblique floor crunches to your ab workouts.

Have fun and keep working out.

Yours in Health
Dr. Charles

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