Side Crunch with Hands on Chest

The side crunch with hands on chest is a fantastic exercise that targets your oblique muscles, helping tone and strengthen your core. It is a variation of the traditional crunch exercise, but with a twist that intensifies the engagement of your side muscles. To perform a side crunch with hands on chest, begin by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands lightly on your chest, elbows pointing out to the sides. Engage your core and slowly lift your shoulders off the ground, aiming to bring your left shoulder towards your right hip. Pause for a moment, feeling the contraction in your oblique muscles, and then lower your shoulders back to the starting position. Repeat the movement on the other side, bringing your right shoulder towards your left hip. By incorporating the side crunch with hands on chest into your workout routine, you can effectively target those stubborn love handles and develop stronger, more defined oblique muscles. Remember to maintain proper form throughout the exercise, focusing on contracting and feeling the burn in your side muscles. You can incorporate this exercise into your core routine or as part of a full-body workout to enhance overall strength and stability. So, give it a try and enjoy the benefits of a stronger core and a more toned midsection!

Instructions

• Lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
• Place your hands on your chest with your fingers touching your shoulders.
• Engage your core muscles by drawing your belly button towards your spine.
• Slowly raise your upper body off the ground and towards the right side.
• Exhale as you crunch to the side and pause briefly at the top.
• Lower your upper body back down to the starting position in a controlled manner.
• Repeat the movement, this time crunching towards the left side.
• Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
• Remember to keep your neck relaxed and avoid straining it during the exercise.
• Focus on using your abdominal muscles to initiate and control the movement.

Tips & Tricks

• Engage your core muscles throughout the entire movement to maximize the effectiveness of the exercise.
• Focus on using your oblique muscles to perform the side crunch, rather than relying solely on your arms or shoulders.
• Perform the exercise in a slow and controlled manner to ensure proper form and avoid injury.
• Keep your neck relaxed and avoid straining it by placing your hands lightly on your chest.
• Exhale as you crunch to increase the engagement of your abdominal muscles.
• Start with a light warm-up before performing the side crunch to prepare your muscles for the exercise.
• Incorporate variety by incorporating different variations of side crunches into your routine, such as using dumbbells or a stability ball.
• Pair the side crunches with cardiovascular exercises and a well-rounded strength training routine for optimal results.
• Maintain a consistent workout schedule to see progress and improvement over time.
• Stay hydrated and fuel your body with a balanced diet to support your fitness goals.