Exercise description of the side crunch.  Learn about the side crunch with video and pictures.  Also learn how the side crunch can increase your sports performance.

Primary muscles worked:  Obliques

Synergist Muscles:  Rectus Abdominus

Mechanics:  Isolation

Equipment:  Open Floor Space

How to perform the exercise:  To perform the side crunch, the athlete should lay on their side on the floor. The athlete should place their free hand behind their head. Next, the athlete will try and crunch up, lifting the upper body off of the ground, so that their free hand's elbow moves closer to their lower body. Once the athlete's body is two to three inches off of the ground, the athlete may return to the starting position. After the desired number of repetitions are reached, the athlete should repeat the exercise on the other side.

Spotting the exercise:  A spotter is not required for the side crunch; however, a spotter can ensure that the athlete is in proper position and is executing the exercise correctly.

Sport specific application: The side crunch is a great isolation exercise for targetting the obliques. The obliques are important in rotational exercises and the side crunch can help improve strength and endurance in those muscles. This can lead to improved rotational strength and endurance.