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Starfish Crunch

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Starfish Crunch.

EasyAbsCore

About this exercise

The Starfish Crunch is a beginner-friendly core exercise performed on the floor with the arms and legs extended wide in a star shape. By alternately bringing an elbow toward the opposite knee, it challenges the abs and obliques through a rotational crunch pattern without requiring any equipment.

How to Perform

  • Lie on your back and extend your arms and legs out wide to form a star shape
  • Keep your lower back in contact with the floor
  • Simultaneously raise one arm and the opposite leg, crunching your torso so the elbow moves toward the knee
  • Lower back down with control to the starting position
  • Repeat on the opposite side, alternating each rep

Muscle Activation

Primary
AbsCoreObliques
Secondary
QuadricepsCalvesFront shouldersUpper chestMiddle chestMiddle back

About the Starfish Crunch

The Starfish Crunch is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.

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