Cross-Body Crunch
How to do the Cross-Body Crunch with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.
Abs
,
Body Only
How to do the Cross-Body Crunch
- 1
Lie flat on your back and bend your knees about 60 degrees.
- 2
Keep your feet flat on the floor and place your hands loosely behind your head. This will be your starting position.
- 3
Now curl up and bring your right elbow and shoulder across your body while bring your left knee in toward your left shoulder at the same time. Reach with your elbow and try to touch your knee. Exhale as you perform this movement. Tip: Try to bring your shoulder up towards your knee rather than just your elbow and remember that the key is to contract the abs as you perform the movement; not just to move the elbow.
- 4
Now go back down to the starting position as you inhale and repeat with the left elbow and the right knee.
- 5
Continue alternating in this manner until all prescribed repetitions are done.
Log it, see it on your body.
Every Cross-Body Crunch set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your abs volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.
Where the Cross-Body Crunch fits
The Cross-Body Crunch shows up in training built around a specific goal. See how it fits:
More abs exercises
Cross-Body Crunch: common questions
What muscles does the Cross-Body Crunch work?
The Cross-Body Crunch primarily works the Abs.
Is the Cross-Body Crunch suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Cross-Body Crunch is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.
What equipment do I need for the Cross-Body Crunch?
None. The Cross-Body Crunch is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it without any equipment.
Is the Cross-Body Crunch a compound or isolation exercise?
The Cross-Body Crunch is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.
How do I do the Cross-Body Crunch with correct form?
Lie flat on your back and bend your knees about 60 degrees. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.
Log your Cross-Body Crunch sets, free.
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