Twisting Crunch

The Twisting Crunch is an effective exercise that targets the muscles of your core, particularly your obliques. It combines the benefits of a traditional crunch with a rotation movement, making it a great exercise for strengthening and toning your abdominals. This exercise also engages your hip flexors and lower back muscles, helping to improve overall core stability. To perform the Twisting Crunch, you start by lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands lightly behind your ears, crossing your arms over your chest, or even extending them straight out in front of you for an extra challenge. As you initiate the movement, lift your shoulders and upper back off the ground while simultaneously twisting your torso to one side. Keep your focus on using your abdominal muscles to power the movement, rather than relying on momentum. Then, slowly lower your upper body back down to the starting position. Repeat the movement on the other side. Remember to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise and to breathe naturally. It's important to maintain control and avoid straining your neck or using your arms to pull your head forward. Start with a comfortable range of motion and gradually increase the difficulty as your strength improves. Incorporating the Twisting Crunch into your fitness routine can help improve core stability, enhance your athleticism, and contribute to a stronger, more balanced physique. As always, it's essential to listen to your body, maintain proper form, and progress at a pace that feels challenging yet sustainable for you.

Instructions

• Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
• Place your fingertips behind your ears, and keep your elbows pointed outwards.
• Using your abdominal muscles, begin to curl your torso off the ground and towards your knees, lifting your shoulders and upper back off the floor.
• As you curl up, twist your torso to one side, bringing your right elbow towards your left knee.
• Lower your torso back to the starting position, and then repeat the movement but this time twisting your torso to the opposite side.
• Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
• Remember to breathe out as you curl up and twist, and breathe in as you lower back down.
• Maintain control throughout the exercise and avoid pulling on your neck with your hands.

Tips & Tricks

• Engage your core muscles by focusing on lifting your shoulder blades off the ground.
• Exhale as you twist your upper body to one side, aiming to touch your elbow to the opposite knee.
• Perform the exercise in a slow and controlled manner to maximize muscle engagement.
• Avoid straining your neck or pulling on it with your hands. Instead, focus on using your abdominal muscles to initiate the movement.
• Add a twist to your basic crunches to target the oblique muscles for a complete abdominal workout.
• For added intensity, hold a weight or medicine ball against your chest while performing the twisting crunch.
• To increase the challenge, lift your legs and perform the twisting crunch with your knees bent or straightened.
• Incorporate the twisting crunch into a well-rounded core workout routine to target all abdominal muscles from different angles.
• Avoid relying solely on the momentum of the twisting motion. Use your core muscles to control the movement throughout.
• Remember to maintain proper posture throughout the exercise, keeping your back straight and avoiding arching or rounding.