Oblique V Crunch | Illustrated Exercise Guide

Primary muscles: Abs, obliques
Secondary muscles: Core, upper back, legs
Equipment: No equipment

OBLIQUE V CRUNCH INSTRUCTIONS

1. Lie on your right side with your legs fully extended and your left hand behind your head.
2. Raise both legs and your torso simultaneously, try touching your left knee with your left elbow and squeeze the abs.
3. Return to the starting position, repeat, and then switch sides.

PROPER FORM AND BREATHING PATTERN

Start each rep with your shoulder on the mat and, as you breathe out, bend at the waist and raise your legs and your torso at the same time. Keep your legs straight and lift them at a 45-degree angle. Reach your elbow toward the knee and inhale as you lower your upper body and legs back to the starting position.

EXERCISE BENEFITS

The oblique v crunch fully engages the abdominal wall and the obliques, and helps to strengthen and tighten the core. This exercise tones the abs, sculpts the waist, strengthens the back and improves balance and flexibility.

DEMONSTRATION

SETS AND REPS

Start with triangle crunches and side crunches. Once you’re comfortable with the movement, progress to the oblique v crunch and do 2 or 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps, on each side.

CALORIES BURNED

To calculate the number of calories burned doing the oblique v crunch, enter your weight and the duration of the exercise:

RELATED CORE EXERCISES

Try these other core exercises to tighten, sculpt and strengthen your abs, obliques, lats and lower back:
Downward dog crunch
Bent leg jackknife
Pilates swimming
Rope climb crunches