Oblique Crunch V. 2
Oblique Crunch V. 2 works as a standalone core block, and pure bodyweight leverage keeps the focus on midsection control under load.
How to do Oblique Crunch V. 2
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
- Place your hands behind your head or cross them over your chest.
- Engage your abs and lift your shoulder blades off the ground, rotating your torso to one side.
- Pause for a moment, then lower your shoulder blades back down to the starting position.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
Oblique Crunch V. 2 Sets and Reps by Goal
Strength
4 sets of 6-8 reps at your hardest clean leverage, resting 2-3 minutes. Add reps first, then slow the lowering phase.
Hypertrophy
4 sets of 12-18 reps with 60 seconds of rest. Change leverage or elevation before you add load.
Endurance
3 sets of 25-30 reps with 30-45 seconds of rest. Hold the end position for a beat once reps come easily.
Common Oblique Crunch V. 2 Mistakes
Rushing reps so gravity does most of the work
Take two to three counts on the lowering phase of every rep.
Chasing rep count until the lower back arches away
End the set at the first rep where the ribcage flares, not at failure.
Easier and Harder Than Oblique Crunch V. 2
Swap Oblique Crunch V. 2 For
Oblique Crunch V. 2 — Frequently Asked Questions
How do you do the Oblique Crunch V. 2?
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands behind your head or cross them over your chest. Engage your abs and lift your shoulder blades off the ground, rotating your torso to one side. Use your bodyweight only and keep the movement controlled through the full range. The animated GIF above shows the complete rep at normal speed.
What muscles does the Oblique Crunch V. 2 work?
The Oblique Crunch V. 2 primarily targets the abs. It is classified as a core exercise and is performed with your bodyweight only.
How many sets and reps of the Oblique Crunch V. 2 should I do?
For muscle growth: 4 sets of 12-18 reps with 60 seconds of rest. Change leverage or elevation before you add load. Adjust the load rather than the rep target if form breaks down before the final rep.
Is the Oblique Crunch V. 2 good for beginners?
It is an intermediate movement. You will get more out of it once you can already perform the basic core patterns with controlled form. Beginners can still use it with light load and close attention to technique.
What can I do instead of the Oblique Crunch V. 2?
Try the Band Seated Twist, Weighted Side Bend (on Stability Ball) or the Barbell Rollerout. Each trains the abs with a similar movement pattern, so you can swap based on the equipment you have available.
