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Last updated February 2, 2026
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abs
Twisting Crunch (Straight Arms)
Crunch up and reach your hand to the outside of the opposite knee. This engages the obliques (side abs).
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Low
- Calorie Burn
- Low-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 arms straight above your chest, keeping them parallel to the ground.
- Step 2Engage Your Core
- Tighten your abdominal muscles by pulling your belly button towards your spine.
- Ensure your lower back is pressed against the mat.
- Step 3Twist Your Torso
- As you exhale, lift your shoulder blades off the mat and twist your torso to one side.
- Keep your arms straight and reach towards the floor beside you.
- Step 4Return to Center
- Inhale as you lower your shoulder blades back to the mat, returning to the starting position.
- Maintain control and keep your core engaged.
- Step 5Twist to the Other Side
- Exhale again and lift your shoulder blades off the mat, twisting your torso to the opposite side.
- Reach towards the floor beside you with your straight arms.
- Step 6Complete the Set
- Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
- Focus on maintaining proper form and engaging your core throughout the exercise.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, lower your arms and relax your body on the mat.
- Take a moment to breathe and stretch before moving on to your next exercise.