Crossover Crunch

Although many people feel that they have done a good job utilizing the original abdominal crunch exercise, performing it in order to strengthen and flatten stomach regions, some wish to expand upon their experiences. One way to do this might be to employ the Crossover Crunch, a variation of the original crunch. The Crossover Crunch might be especially helpful for people who wish to focus on toning the oblique muscles that run along the side of the midsection.

In order to do a Crossover Crunch, one must place his or her body in a position similar to the one associated with a basic crunch, lying flat on his or her back with hands behind the head and knees bent. However, before actually crunching, the individual crosses one leg over the other, with the ankle resting on the other leg’s thigh. Furthermore, while leaning forward and contracting the abdominal muscles, the participant also twists his or her upper body in order to touch the knee of the crossed leg with the elbow of the opposite side, right to left or left to right. It is important to exhale while crunching and inhale while returning. After performing a number of repetitions, the individual can then switch legs, twisting to the other side for the same number of repetitions. This may help him or her flatten stomach muscles in both the middle and sides of the abdomen.