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Last updated February 2, 2026
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abs
Crunch (Side) - Kneeling (Cable)
Kneel sideways to high pulley. Hold rope near head. Crunch down and sideways towards the floor.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- 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
cable
Movement pattern
Unilateral
Posture
Kneeling
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Attach a cable handle to a low pulley on a cable machine.
- Kneel next to the machine, ensuring that the cable is positioned at your side.
- Step 2Position Yourself
- Kneel on the floor with one knee on the ground and the other foot flat on the floor for stability.
- Grab the cable handle with the hand closest to the machine, keeping your other hand on your hip or behind your head.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Tighten your core muscles to stabilize your body throughout the movement.
- Keep your back straight and avoid leaning forward or backward.
- Step 4Perform the Crunch
- Pull the cable handle down towards your hip while bending your torso to the side, engaging your oblique muscles.
- Focus on using your core to perform the movement rather than pulling with your arm.
- Step 5Return to Starting Position
- Slowly return to the starting position by allowing the cable to pull you back up while maintaining control.
- Keep your movements smooth and avoid using momentum.
- Step 6Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions on one side before switching to the other side.
- Ensure that you maintain proper form throughout each repetition.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your sets, carefully release the cable handle and stand up.
- Make sure to maintain good posture as you finish the exercise.