Lying Elbow to Knee

The Lying Elbow to Knee exercise is a dynamic movement that targets the abdominal muscles, particularly the obliques. It helps strengthen and tone the core while also engaging the hip flexors and upper body muscles. This exercise is typically performed on the floor, making it a convenient option for home workouts. To perform the Lying Elbow to Knee, you start by lying flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Place your hands lightly behind your head, keeping your elbows open wide. Take a deep breath in to prepare. As you exhale, engage your core muscles by gently lifting your head, neck, and shoulder blades off the floor. Simultaneously, bring your right elbow towards your left knee while extending your right leg straight out in front of you. Keep your upper body elevated throughout the movement. Inhale as you slowly return to the starting position, lowering your head and shoulder blades back to the floor. Repeat the movement on the opposite side, bringing your left elbow towards your right knee while extending your left leg. Perform the Lying Elbow to Knee exercise in a controlled manner, focusing on the contraction of your abdominal muscles. Aim to maintain a steady rhythm and avoid pulling on your neck or straining your lower back. Start with a moderate number of repetitions, gradually increasing as you get stronger and more comfortable with the exercise.

Instructions

• Start by lying flat on your back on a mat or the floor.
• Place your hands behind your head, with your elbows pointing out to the sides.
• Bend your knees and lift your feet off the ground, keeping your thighs perpendicular to the floor.
• Contract your abs and crunch your upper body towards your knees.
• As you crunch up, lift your right elbow towards your left knee, and simultaneously extend your right leg straight.
• Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side, lifting your left elbow towards your right knee and extending your left leg straight.
• Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
• Remember to keep your lower back pressed into the mat or floor throughout the exercise and exhale as you crunch up.

Tips & Tricks

• Engage your core by pulling your belly button in towards your spine throughout the exercise.
• Focus on keeping your movements slow and controlled to maximize the effectiveness of the exercise.
• Exhale as you bring your elbow and knee together, and inhale as you return to the starting position.
• Remember to keep your head and neck in a neutral position to avoid straining your neck muscles.
• Start with a weight that challenges you but still allows you to maintain proper form and technique.
• Consider using a yoga mat or an exercise mat to provide cushioning and support for your back during the exercise.
• It's important to warm up before starting the exercise to increase blood flow to the muscles and reduce the risk of injury.
• Listen to your body and modify the exercise as needed to accommodate any physical limitations or discomfort.
• Stay consistent with your workouts to see progress over time.
• Don't forget to include other exercises that target the abdominal muscles from different angles for a complete core workout.