How to Tone the Stomach With Side Crunches
Side crunches are considered a very effective way to tone the stomach, though some people incorrectly believe that they can magically remove extra fat in the oblique muscles, sometimes referred to as "love handles." Unfortunately, due to the way the body burns fat, it is impossible to target one specific area of fat on your body. Still, side crunches will help tone the muscles in your stomach if you incorporate them into a full-body workout.
Instructions
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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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Tips & Warnings
If you suffer from any serious medical conditions, never start a new exercise routine without consulting your doctor or a medical professional first.
Remember that due to the small range of motion involved in side crunches, they do not work the muscles as hard as other stomach exercises that require more movement. Side crunches should be used in conjunction with other abdominal exercises to fully tone your stomach.
