How to do it
Pause and hold the side crunch for one full second at the top.
- 1
Sit sideways next to a wall with your legs extended and your side pressed against the wall.
- 2
Place your hands behind your head or across your chest.
- 3
Lean your torso towards the wall, engaging the side abs, and then crunch your upper body towards your hips.
- 4
Slowly return to the starting position.
- 5
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions before switching sides.
Expert tip
Ensure you're engaging your oblique muscles by focusing on the side crunch motion rather than just leaning to the side.
Common mistakes
- ✕Rotating forward instead of laterally
- ✕Pulling on the neck with the hands
- ✕Lifting the hips off the floor