Alternating Standing Side Raise Crunch

Standing Alternate Side Crunch and Raise

1. Starting Position:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
- Keep your arms bent at the elbows and hands behind your head, supporting your head lightly.

2. Engage Core:
- Tighten your abdominal muscles by pulling your belly button in towards your spine.

3. Movement:
- As you exhale, lift your right knee towards your right elbow while simultaneously crunching your torso to the right side.
- Aim to bring your right elbow towards your knee, feeling the contraction in your oblique muscles.

4. Return to Starting Position:
- Inhale as you lower your right leg and return your torso to the starting position.

5. Alternate Sides:
- Repeat the movement on the left side, bringing your left knee up to meet your left elbow.
- Continue alternating sides, performing a set number of reps or for a set time.

6. Breathing:
- Remember to exhale as you crunch and inhale as you return to the starting position.

Tips:
- Keep your movements controlled to maximize the effectiveness of the exercise.
- Avoid pulling on your neck with your hands; keep your hands lightly cupping your head.
- Maintain good posture throughout the exercise with your chest up and shoulders down.