Oblique Crunch

As people everywhere try to work more diligently on keeping their bodies in shape, one area of particular interest is undoubtedly the abdomen, which can easily be plagued by extra fat. The Oblique Crunch is one exercise that may help trim and flatten stomach areas. It not only aims to tone the center of the abdomen but also the sides, where the oblique muscles lie.

The Oblique Crunch involves starting out in the normal crunch position, with the back and feet flat on the floor and the knees bent. Then the individual must twist his or her legs to one side until the knees are resting on the floor. Then, while flattening the lower part of the back against the floor, he or she leans up and forward with hands behind the head, similarly to a normal crunch. Holding the position for two seconds, the individual then lowers his or her upper body, repeating the routine a number of times and then twisting the legs over to the other side for an equal number of repetitions. With the lower body in a twisted position, it is said that the Oblique Crunch can enable participants to flatten stomach muscles in a way that is slightly different than that offered by certain other exercises, with the oblique muscles as a unique focus.