About this exercise
A bodyweight abdominal exercise performed lying on your back with legs raised vertically. You crunch upward while rotating the torso to alternate sides, maximally engaging the obliques and rectus abdominis with each rep.
Twist Crunch (Legs Up)
Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Twist Crunch (Legs Up).
EasyAbsObliques
How to Perform
- Lie on your back with your legs raised straight up toward the ceiling, perpendicular to the floor
- Place your hands lightly behind your head with elbows wide
- Engage your core and press your lower back into the floor
- Crunch upward by lifting your shoulder blades off the floor and rotate your right elbow toward your left knee
- Lower back down in a controlled manner without letting your head touch the floor
- On the next rep, rotate your left elbow toward your right knee
- Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions
Muscle Activation
Primary
AbsObliques
Secondary
QuadricepsOuter thighs
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes content is coming soon.
About the Twist Crunch (Legs Up)
The Twist Crunch (Legs Up) 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.