Standing Oblique Crunch
How to perform a standing oblique crunch
Step 1
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell or kettlebell in your left hand. Place your right hand behind your ear and keep your shoulders back and down. This is your starting position.
Step 2
Engage your core and slowly lower the weight down the side of your left leg, drawing your ribs towards your hips and feeling a stretch in your right obliques.
Step 3
Engage your right obliques to straighten your torso to return to the starting position. Complete all reps on one side before switching the weight to the other hand and repeating on the other side.
Form tips
Move with control, feeling the exercise work your obliques rather than using momentum or rushing through your reps. In terms of tempo, it can help to think: 2 seconds down, pause at the bottom, 2 seconds back up, pause at the top, repeat.
Keep your shoulders facing forwards, don't let them rotate down towards the weight.
Remember your hand is behind your head for balance, just place it there gently rather than pulling on your head or neck.
If you experience lower back pain, reduce the weight to see if it improves, or stop and consult a professional before continuing. You shouldn't feel this in your back.
