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Last updated February 2, 2026
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abs
Twisting Crunch
Perform a crunch, but twist your torso at the top to bring your elbow toward the opposite knee. Alternate sides.
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 flat on your back on a mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Place your hands behind your head or crossed over your chest.
- Step 2Engage Your Core
- Tighten your abdominal muscles to prepare for the movement.
- Ensure your lower back is pressed against the mat.
- Step 3Lift Your Shoulders
- Using your core, lift your shoulders off the mat while keeping your lower back pressed down.
- Avoid pulling on your neck; focus on using your abs.
- Step 4Twist Your Torso
- As you lift your shoulders, twist your torso to one side, bringing your elbow towards the opposite knee.
- Keep your hips and lower body stable on the mat.
- Step 5Return to Center
- Lower your shoulders back to the mat while maintaining control.
- Ensure your core remains engaged as you return to the starting position.
- Step 6Repeat on the Other Side
- Perform the same twisting motion to the opposite side, bringing the other elbow towards the opposite knee.
- Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, lower your shoulders to the mat and relax your body.
- Take a moment to stretch and breathe before moving on to your next exercise.