Standing Cross Crunch
Tone your core & obliques with Standing Cross Crunches! A simple, effective exercise you can do anywhere.
The Standing Cross Crunch mainly works the core, with help from the hip abductors (outer thighs). No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Standing Cross Crunch Muscles Worked
Primary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Obliques
Secondary
Hip Flexor (iliopsoas); Hip Stabilizer (gluteus minimus)
Standing Cross Crunch Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Standing Cross Crunch
Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Place your hands lightly behind your head with elbows flared out to the sides.
Shift your weight onto your left foot and lift your right knee towards your chest.
As you lift your knee, twist your torso so that your left elbow tries to meet your raised right knee - it's okay if they don't actually touch. This is the 'cross' element, engaging the oblique muscles.
Reverse the movement, untwisting your torso and lowering your right leg back to the starting position.
Shift your weight onto your right foot and repeat the movement with the left knee and right elbow.
Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions. Remember to engage your core throughout the exercise and move with control to maximize the benefit and reduce risk of injury. Adjust the number of repetitions and sets according to your fitness level.
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Standing Cross Crunch FAQs
What muscles does the Standing Cross Crunch work?
The Standing Cross Crunch mainly works the core, with help from the hip abductors (outer thighs). The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and obliques.
What equipment do you need for the Standing Cross Crunch?
None. The Standing Cross Crunch is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
What are some Standing Cross Crunch variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Alternating Double Hand Leg Lift Crunch, Criss-Cross Knee-Tuck, Standing Elbow to Knee Crunch and Criss-Cross Jump.
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