How to Do an Oblique Crunch

Tone your midriff and obliques with different exercises.

Want to get rid of those pesky "love handles?" An oblique crunch, which targets the oblique muscles and upper abs, can help you slim your waist and look leaner and fitter overall. Read on to learn how to do an oblique crunch.

Instructions

1. Lie on your back, preferably with a mat or other surface supporting your back.

2. Cross your left foot over your right knee, while keeping your hips, back, shoulder and head on the floor.

3. Place your hands on top of one another behind your neck.

4. Contract your abs and scoop your stomach in. Slowly lift your shoulders off the ground while keeping your lower back on the ground. Twist to the right and touch your left elbow to the inside of your right knee, while reaching the right elbow toward the wall behind you. Keep your elbows in a straight line.

5. Slowly twist back to center and lower back down, contracting your abs the entire way.

6. Repeat the oblique crunch on the other side.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your abs, rather than momentum, to lift you up.

• Keep elbows out and open and the chest lifted to maximize the crunch's effectiveness.