Appears in642 Workouts*

Standing Side Elbow Drive Crunch

Torch your obliques! This standing crunch targets your core with a simple, effective movement. No equipment needed, just you and a little determination.

The Standing Side Elbow Drive Crunch mainly works the core, with help from the back. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Mr. Grey
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Standing Side Elbow Drive Crunch Muscles Worked

Primary

Obliques; Abdominals (rectus abdominis)

Secondary

Boxer Muscle (serratus anterior); Deep Core (transverse abdominis)

How to do the Standing Side Elbow Drive Crunch

Equipment Needed: None

Positioning:

  1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.

  2. Engage your core by pulling your belly button towards your spine.

  3. Raise both hands above your head, with your elbows bent and hands clasped together.

Movement Instructions:

  1. Begin by contracting your oblique muscles on one side of your body, bringing your right knee up towards your right elbow while simultaneously driving your right elbow down towards your knee.

  2. Aim to touch your elbow to your knee for maximum engagement, but don’t force it if you can’t reach.

  3. Return to the starting position, extending your right leg back down and raising your arms back overhead.

  4. Repeat the movement on the opposite side, driving your left knee up towards your left elbow.

  5. Continue alternating sides in a rhythmic motion for 10-15 repetitions on each side.

  6. Focus on controlled movements to maintain balance and proper form throughout the exercise.

Tips:

  • Keep your back straight and avoid leaning forward during the movement.

  • Breathe out as you crunch down and breathe in as you return to the starting position.

  • Start slowly to master the technique before increasing the speed for a more plyometric effect.

Standing Side Elbow Drive Crunch FAQs

What muscles does the Standing Side Elbow Drive Crunch work?

The Standing Side Elbow Drive Crunch mainly works the core, with help from the back. The main muscles are the obliques and rectus abdominis.

What equipment do you need for the Standing Side Elbow Drive Crunch?

None. The Standing Side Elbow Drive Crunch is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What are some Standing Side Elbow Drive Crunch variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Elbow to Decline Knee Side-Plank, Lateral Shuffle Crunch, Standing Side Hand Crunch and Single Knee Drive Side-Plank.

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