Standing Oblique Crunch
The Standing Oblique Crunch is a standing core exercise that targets the side abdominals and improves balance without requiring floor work. It involves lifting one knee while crunching the elbow toward it to engage the obliques and stabilizer muscles.
Since this exercise is often a safer alternative for those with lower back discomfort during floor crunches, the AI tracks your pain feedback to prioritize this movement when your back sensitivity is high. By analyzing your performance data and RPE, the app ensures you are maintaining the necessary time-under-tension rather than just going through the motions. Additionally, if your recovery data (HRV or sleep) indicates high fatigue, the AI may suggest this lower-impact movement to maintain consistency without overtaxing your central nervous system.
Form Cues
- Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart
- Place hands lightly behind your head with elbows wide
- Lift one knee high while crunching your same-side elbow down toward it
- Squeeze your side abdominals hard at the point of contact
- Return to the starting position with control before switching sides
- Don't pull on your neck or head with your hands
- Don't rush the movement or use momentum to swing the leg
- Don't lean forward; ensure you are bending purely to the side
- Don't let your standing leg wobble or collapse inward
Common Mistakes
- Pulling on the neck
- Bending forward instead of sideways
- Using momentum to lift the leg
- Limited range of motion
- Lack of mind-muscle connection
Muscles Worked
This exercise primarily targets the internal and external obliques, which are responsible for lateral flexion and rotational stability. It also engages the rectus abdominis and hip flexors to lift the leg, while the standing position recruits glutes and lower back muscles to maintain balance.
Primary
Secondary
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