Things You'll Need:
- Exercise stability ball (optional)
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Step 1
Start by lying flat on your back and turning both knees to the same side, resting them on top of each other. This will help place the tension on the exterior and interior oblique muscles.
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Step 2
Lift your upper torso gently off the floor. Try to keep your legs from moving from their side position while moving your upper body straight up off the floor. As you lift your back off the floor, turn to the side opposite of the way your knees are pointing and hold this position.
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Step 3
Repeat this motion about fifteen times on each side. Make sure that you do an equal amount with your knees pointing in each direction so that you get a comprehensive workout of all your stomach muscles.
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Step 4
Keep in mind that your range of motion may be slightly limited compared the amount of movement involved in doing regular crunches. Still, it is important to make sure to lift your body up towards your knees as high as possible without straining yourself.
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Step 5
Try doing side crunches with an exercise stability ball. Lie down with your stomach flat on top of the stability ball then slowly move your legs to the side, allowing your oblique muscles to move to the top of the ball. Put your hands on top of your head as soon as you have stabilized yourself.
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Step 6
Lift your obliques off the stability ball and then slowly lower yourself back down. It may be difficult to move without allowing the ball to slide, so do your best to be patient. It often helps to move your legs out further to restrict the ball from moving.
