How to do the Cross Body Crunch
Cross Body Crunch is a beginner single-joint isolation pushing exercise targeting the Abs in the Waist region. Performed using bodyweight, it falls under the cardio category. Secondary muscles engaged include Obliques.
Cross Body Crunch demonstration · © GymiaFit
Cross Body Crunch at a glance
- Primary muscles
- Abs
- Secondary muscles
- Obliques
- Equipment
- Body Weight
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Isolation (single-joint)
- Force
- Push
Cross Body Crunch step by step
- 1Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
- 2Place your hands behind your head with your elbows pointing outwards.
- 3Engaging your abs, lift your upper body off the ground and twist to bring your right elbow towards your left knee.
- 4Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your upper body back down to the starting position.
- 5Repeat on the other side, bringing your left elbow towards your right knee.
- 6Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
2 free workouts use it
Cross Body Crunch — questions
What muscles does the Cross Body Crunch work?
The Cross Body Crunch primarily targets the Abs. It also recruits the Obliques as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for the Cross Body Crunch?
None — the Cross Body Crunch uses your bodyweight only, so it works at home with nothing but floor space.
Is the Cross Body Crunch suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is classed as a beginner movement: the pattern is simple enough to learn in a session and easy to scale by adjusting range of motion or load.
What can I do instead of the Cross Body Crunch?
3/4 Sit-up, 45° Side Bend, Air Bike train the same muscles and make good substitutes when the equipment is taken or the movement does not suit you.
Log it, don't guess it.
The GymiaFit app has the Cross Body Crunch demo, form cues and set logging built in — plus a muscle map that shows what you have actually trained this week. Free on iOS and Android.