How to Cross Lift for Better Abs

Cross lifting works the obliques, which are located along the sides of your abs. It's important to keep your abs engaged during the entire workout, to protect your back and neck. If you feel unneccessary strain on your neck, focus more energy on flexing your abdominal muscles.

Instructions

1. Lie on the ground. Use a mat or some sort of padding for your comfort.

2. Press your lower back into the ground by concentrating on pulling your abs in toward your back. You want to maintain this neutral spine position throughout the entire movement.

3. Lift your legs up so that they're at a 90 degree angle to the floor. You can put your hands behind your head or you can reach your fingers towards your toes. Putting your hands behind your head might help your neck if it feels strained.

4. Pulling your abs in as tight as you can, lift your shoulder blades off the ground. Twist and reach your shoulder toward the opposite knee, cruching up as far as you can. Lower back down, not allowing your shoulder blades to touch the ground.

5. Repeat the crunch, working your oblique on the opposite side by twisting toward the other knee. Do as many reps as you can, alternating sides when lifting, until you can no longer keep your lower back pressed into the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Lift your legs and bottom as you lift your upper body. This will further engage the abs, giving you a tougher workout.