How to Do Oblique Crunch

Oblique Crunch is a core exercise using bodyweight, listed as intermediate in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

Primary muscle

Core

Equipment

Bodyweight

Difficulty

Intermediate

01 / Move with control

How to perform

How to do Oblique Crunch

  1. 01Lie on the back with knees bent and feet flat, then drop both knees to one side while keeping the shoulder blades square to the ceiling.
  2. 02Place the fingertips lightly behind the ears with the elbows flared wide.
  3. 03Exhale and lift the shoulder blades off the floor by contracting the side of the waist.
  4. 04Hold the peak contraction for a heartbeat before lowering the upper back toward the mat.
  5. 05Switch knee positions halfway through the set to ensure even development of both sides.

Same guidance shown inside the A90 app

02 / Anatomy

Muscles worked by Oblique Crunch

Primary Stabiliser Inactive

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Primary movers

  • Core Stabilises the spine and transfers force.

Stabilisers

  • Lower back Stabilises the spine during lifts and bends.
  • Forearms Grips and stabilises the wrist under load.

03 / A90 Coach

A90 Coach tip

Draw the ribs toward the hip bone rather than pulling the head with the hands to isolate the lateral abdominal wall.

Same coaching engine used inside the A90 app

05 / FAQ

Oblique Crunch questions

What muscles does Oblique Crunch work?

Oblique Crunch is catalogued as a core exercise in A90 Training Club, with the core as its primary muscle group.

How do you do Oblique Crunch correctly?

Lie on the back with knees bent and feet flat, then drop both knees to one side while keeping the shoulder blades square to the ceiling. Place the fingertips lightly behind the ears with the elbows flared wide. Exhale and lift the shoulder blades off the floor by contracting the side of the waist. Hold the peak contraction for a heartbeat before lowering the upper back toward the mat. Switch knee positions halfway through the set to ensure even development of both sides.

What is the A90 coach tip for Oblique Crunch?

Draw the ribs toward the hip bone rather than pulling the head with the hands to isolate the lateral abdominal wall.

Is Oblique Crunch suitable for beginners?

Oblique Crunch is rated intermediate in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

Do you need equipment for Oblique Crunch?

No. Oblique Crunch is listed as a bodyweight movement in the A90 catalogue, so you can train it with no kit.

A90 Intelligence

Put this into a real plan.

A90 Intelligence programmes oblique crunch into a 30, 60 or 90 day plan built around your equipment, then adjusts it as you train.

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