Side Crunch at Home: Quite literally, a crunch with a twist! Frequently confused with the bicycle crunch, this variation strengthens the upper abs and obliques inward. Your abdominal muscles will feel the burn with each movement of this exercise.

Side Crunch – Requirements

Equipment required: Mat (optional)

Sets & reps: 3 sets of 15-20 reps each

Intensity: Low (beginner)

How to do side crunch?

• With your knees bent, lie flat on your back on the floor.
• Place your hands slightly over your ears, touching the side of your head with your fingers.
• Raise your upper body alternately in the direction of either knee. You can attempt this by bringing your right elbow into contact with your left knee.
• Curl your upper body up and twist to build stress in the major target area, the upper abs.
• Hold for a few seconds before gradually resuming the beginning posture. This is one repetition.

Tip: This exercise is a modification of the standard crunch; in that it involves rising the torso in the crunch but with a slight twist in the side crunch.