How To Do Bicycle Crunches To Work Abs & Obliques

Bicycle crunches, also known as twisted crunches, are the unsung hero of abs day. Whether you're bored with regular crunches or you really want to work your obliques, this simple crunch variation couldn't be easier to incorporate into your workout or yoga flow.

To target your core and protect the integrity of your lower back, it's very important to press that low back into the floor. This will prevent straining and ensure your abdominal muscles are doing all the work.

Try to keep your chest somewhat open as you twist, focusing on twisting more from your core and spine rather than leading with your upper body. Also, keep your knees stacked over your hips, not closer to your chest or the floor.

If our lower back starts to come off the ground during the twist, try resting your leg on the ground rather than hovering it above the floor.

Having a strong core will make any other workout you're doing more effective, as it improves posture, digestion, back pain, and so much more. And particularly when it comes to obliques, a strong side body can help prevent back and shoulder injuries related to posture.

Not only that, but because this move worked your lower and upper abs, it can help balance the sacral and solar plexus chakras, which deal with sexuality and creativity, and willpower, respectively.

As Quadrini explains, this type of crunch is great for targeting the obliques and building muscle definition. "You can really feel your muscles activate because you are working one side at a time," she says.