Cross-Body Crunch
🔺 Upper Abs · updated September 2026
⏱ 45 sec🔁 3 sets of 10/side📶 beginner🌿 low-impact
Targets: the upper abs and obliques together in one rotational crunch pattern
How to do it
- 1Lie on your back, knees bent, fingertips lightly behind your ears.
- 2Crunch up and rotate, driving your right elbow toward your left knee as the knee lifts to meet it.
- 3Lower with control and repeat on the other side.
- 4Alternate sides at a steady, unhurried pace.
Form tips
- • Rotate from the ribcage, not the elbows — the elbow is just along for the ride.
- • Exhale hard at the top of each crunch for a deeper contraction.
- • Keep the non-working shoulder blade grounded until it's that side's turn.
Common mistakes
- • Pulling on the head with the hands (fingertips touch, never pull).
- • Turning it into a fast flail — the twist should be felt, not thrown.
- • Letting the feet dance around; they stay planted.
