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Last updated March 5, 2026
Abs
Cross Body Crunch
Lie on back. Crunch up and bring elbow to opposite knee. Alternate sides continuously.
Quick facts
- Level
- Beginner
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Low
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Side Abs / Obliques
Secondary
Abs
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
Body Weight
Movement pattern
Alternate
Posture
Lying
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Lie on your back on a mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Place your hands behind your head, keeping your elbows wide.
- Step 2Position Your Legs
- Lift your feet off the ground, keeping your knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Your shins should be parallel to the floor.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Tighten your abdominal muscles to prepare for the movement.
- Make sure your lower back is pressed into the mat.
- Step 4Perform the Crunch
- Simultaneously lift your right shoulder and your left knee towards each other.
- Twist your torso slightly to the right as you bring your knee and shoulder together.
- Step 5Return to Start
- Lower your shoulder and leg back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
- Ensure your core remains engaged throughout the movement.
- Step 6Alternate Sides
- Repeat the crunch on the opposite side by lifting your left shoulder and right knee.
- Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, lower your feet to the ground and relax your body.
- Take a moment to stretch your core and back muscles.
Alternatives & variations
Explore similar movements targeting the same muscles.
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Crunch (Side) - Kneeling (Cable)
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Elbow-To-Knee
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Heel Touchers - Alternate
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Lying Elbow To Knee
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Russian Twist (Bodyweight)
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Russian Twist (Dumbbell)
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Russian Twist (Kettlebell)
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Seated Twist (Machine)
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Side Hip (On Parallel Bars)
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Trunk Rotation (Machine)
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Twist (Cable)
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-(male)_Waist_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Twisting Crunch (Straight Arms)
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