How to Do a Side Crunch Core Exercise

Core conditioning is an essential part of any fitness routine. The fitness ball has revolutionized the way in which core conditioning is accomplished. A side crunch over a fitness ball is a excellent way to strengthen the oblique muscles.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A fitness ball.

Side Ball Crunches

1. Find the correct ball to use. For a person 4'8" - 5'3" inches tall use a 55cm ball. From 5'4" to 6'. Over 6' use a 75 cm ball
2. From your knees lean sideways over the fitness ball keeping your knees on floor.
3. Place your hands behind your head and slowly lean sideways as far over the ball as your can while maintaining contact with both knees on the floor.
4. Lift your shoulders and torso back up over the ball until you are in an upright position kneeling next to the ball
5. Complete the recommended repetitions
6. Switch sides and complete repeat.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not lift your knees off of the ground when on the ball as you will become unstable and likely fall off of the ball. Do not pull on the back of your neck while doing the crunch as it will put too much pressure on you neck. Also remember that your are working your core not your arms. There is not reason to pull with your arms as they are not a part of the exercise.
• The ball is unstable. Make sure that your are comfortable on the ball prior to beginning exercise. As always, check with your physician prior to beginning an exercise program.