Lying Elbow to Knee
Crunches with a twist! Target your abs and obliques with this core-strengthening exercise. Get ready to feel the burn!
The Lying Elbow to Knee is a compound exercise that mainly works the core. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Lying Elbow to Knee Muscles Worked
Primary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis)
Secondary
Obliques
Lying Elbow to Knee Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Lying Elbow to Knee
Lie on your back on a comfortable, flat surface with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands lightly behind your head or by the side of your head without interlocking your fingers. This is your starting position.
Crunch upwards by lifting your shoulders off the ground. As you do this, bring your right elbow towards your left knee by rotating your torso while simultaneously bringing your left knee in towards your left elbow. Attempt to touch your elbow to your knee to create a bicycle pedal motion.
Pause briefly when your elbow and knee are as close as they can get.
Slowly return to the starting position, without allowing your shoulders to fully rest on the ground.
Repeat the motion, this time bringing your left elbow towards your right knee.
Alternate sides for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring you keep proper form with controlled movements throughout the exercise.
Focus on breathing out as you crunch, and breathing in as you return to the starting position. This exercise primarily targets the abdominal muscles, with an emphasis on the obliques due to the twisting motion.
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Lying Elbow to Knee FAQs
What muscles does the Lying Elbow to Knee work?
The Lying Elbow to Knee mainly works the core. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis.
What equipment do you need for the Lying Elbow to Knee?
None. The Lying Elbow to Knee is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
Is the Lying Elbow to Knee a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What are some Lying Elbow to Knee variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the 90-Degree Single Knee Crunch, Lying Bent-Knee Twist, Bicycle-Crunch and Elbow to Knee Sit-Up.
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