Oblique Knee-Tuck Crunch

1. Start by lying on your back on a comfortable surface, such as an exercise mat. Place your hands lightly behind your head without interlocking your fingers. Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor.

2. Engage your core and lift your shoulder blades slightly off the ground, keeping your gaze towards the ceiling to avoid straining your neck.

3. As you perform a crunch, simultaneously bring one knee towards your chest and twist your torso so that the opposite elbow moves toward the raised knee, aiming to touch it if possible. This motion targets the obliques on one side of your abdomen.

4. Pause briefly at the top of the movement, ensuring you are squeezing your obliques.

5. Slowly lower back down to the starting position with control.

6. Repeat the movement, this time bringing the opposite knee toward your chest and twisting so that your other elbow meets the raised knee.

7. Continue to alternate sides for the desired number of repetitions.

8. Aim to perform 2 to 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions per side or as many as is suitable for your fitness level.

Remember to breathe smoothly throughout the exercise; exhale as you crunch and twist, and inhale as you return to the starting position. Also, keep your movements controlled to maximize the engagement of your obliques and abdominal muscles.

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