What Is Side Plank Crunch

If you're on the hunt for a killer core workout that’ll have your abs looking and feeling strong, then side plank crunches are your new best friend. This exercise blends the stability of a side plank with the crunching action that targets those obliques, helping you achieve that coveted v-line. Whether you're just starting out or you're a gym regular, adding side plank crunches to your routine can seriously up your abs game.

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How-to Do Side Plank Crunch

Begin in a side plank position with your upper hand behind your head.
Keeping your torso stable and your waist lifted, bring your upper leg up toward your shoulder. Lightly tap your upper elbow.
Slowly return to the starting position.

Muscle Worked

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs

"Abs" refers to your abdominal muscles, which sit at the front of your trunk between your ribcage and pelvis

Obliques

The obliques help you twist your trunk and support your core and spine.

Secondary Muscle Groups

Hip Flexors

The hip flexors flex your leg at the hip joint, helping you to extend your legs forward.

Adductors

The adductors are the muscles on the insides of your thighs that move your legs toward the midline of your body

Quads

"Quads" refers to your quadriceps femoris muscles which flex your leg from the hip joint and extend your leg from the knee joint.

Glutes

The glutes help you extend your thighs from the hips and drive you forward.

Shoulders

Your shoulders are ball-and-socket joints which connect your arms to your torso

Pro Tips

Stay Aligned: Make sure your body stays in a straight line from head to heels. Don’t let those hips drop!
Slow and Steady: Avoid rushing. Slow, controlled movements will give you the best workout and help avoid injury.
Breathe Right: Inhale as you extend and exhale as you crunch. Good breathing helps keep you going strong.

Benefits of Side Plank Crunch

Core Stability: These crunches are great for strengthening your obliques and giving you a more stable core.
Better Balance: You’ll improve your balance and coordination by working multiple muscle groups.
Flexibility Boost: The movement helps with flexibility in your hips and spine, which is always a plus.
Easy to Do Anywhere: No fancy equipment needed: just you and a little floor space!

What Is Side Plank Crunch

How-to Do Side Plank Crunch