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Standing Side Crunch

Exercise Profile

Body PartWaist
EquipmentBody weight
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
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Introduction to the Standing Side Crunch

The Standing Side Crunch is a dynamic exercise that primarily targets the obliques, while also engaging the core and improving overall balance. This exercise is ideal for individuals of all fitness levels aiming to strengthen their abdominal muscles without the need for any equipment. By performing Standing Side Crunches, individuals can enhance their side abdominal muscles, improve their posture and stability, and add variety to their workout routine.

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Standing Side Crunch

  • Engage your core and lift your right knee up to hip height while simultaneously lowering your right elbow to meet your knee in a side crunch movement.
  • Hold this position for a moment and feel the burn in your obliques, then slowly return to the starting position.
  • Repeat this movement on the left side by lifting your left knee to meet your left elbow.
  • Continue to alternate sides for your desired number of repetitions, ensuring to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise.

Tips for Performing Standing Side Crunch

  • Controlled Movements: It's important to perform this exercise with slow, controlled movements. Avoid jerking or using momentum to lift your knee or elbow. This not only reduces the effectiveness of the exercise but can also lead to injury.
  • Engage Your Core: To get the most out of this exercise, make sure you are properly engaging your core. This means you should be pulling your belly button in towards your spine and keeping your abs tight throughout the entire movement.
  • Proper Alignment: When lifting your knee to your elbow, ensure they meet at your waistline. Avoid bringing your elbow down to meet your knee, which is

Standing Side Crunch FAQs

Can beginners do the Standing Side Crunch?

Yes, beginners can do the Standing Side Crunch exercise. It's a relatively simple exercise that targets the obliques and helps improve balance and core strength. However, like any exercise, it's important to start slow and ensure correct form to prevent injury. If you're unsure or have any health concerns, it's always a good idea to consult with a fitness professional or a healthcare provider.

What are common variations of the Standing Side Crunch?

  • The Twisting Side Crunch adds a twist at the waist to the traditional Standing Side Crunch, targeting the obliques more intensely.
  • The Standing Bicycle Crunch mimics the motion of a bicycle crunch but in a standing position, alternating sides to work both sets of oblique muscles.
  • The Standing Cross-Body Crunch involves bringing your elbow to the opposite knee, adding a cross-body element to the traditional Standing Side Crunch.
  • The High Knee Side Crunch incorporates high knee lifts with a side crunch, increasing the cardio element and targeting the lower abs in addition to the obliques.

What are good complementing exercises for the Standing Side Crunch?

  • Russian Twists: This exercise also focuses on the obliques, improving the effectiveness of the Standing Side Crunch, but it also works the lower back, enhancing core stability and balance.
  • Plank Hip Dips: These not only target the obliques, complementing the work done by the Standing Side Crunch, but they also engage the whole core, improving balance and posture.

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