Leg Raise Oblique Crunch

Target your obliques, lower abs, and hip flexors with the Leg Raise Oblique Crunch.

IntermediateWaist Body weight

Movement: Compound
Force: Pull
Per set: 1 min
Rest: 30s

Get Ellim — Free

Free · iPhone only · Available on the App Store

Variations of Leg Raise Oblique Crunch

Compound

Oblique Crunches with Bent Knee Leg Lift

Waist · Adductor Brevis · Body weight

Intermediate

Isolation

Oblique Crunches Floor

Waist · Obliques · Body weight

Intermediate

Compound

Oblique Crunches with Straight Leg Lift

Waist · Adductor Brevis · Body weight

Intermediate

Compound

Hanging Oblique Knee Raise

Waist · Iliopsoas · Body weight

Intermediate

Description

A core exercise that targets the obliques, lower abs, and hip flexors, with an emphasis on the obliques. It involves raising the legs and contracting the abs to perform a crunch.

Save Leg Raise Oblique Crunch to a routine

Log sets, reps, and weight as you train — free in the Ellim app.

Get Ellim — Free

How to do Leg Raise Oblique Crunch

01
Setup
Lie supine on the floor with your legs extended straight and your hands placed lightly behind your head or by your sides for less support.
02
Setup
Engage your core to press your lower back firmly into the floor, ensuring there is no arch in your lumbar spine.
03
Lift both legs off the floor, keeping them straight, until your heels are a few inches above the ground.
04
Exhale as you simultaneously crunch your upper body and lift your legs, bringing your right elbow towards your left knee while keeping the right leg straight.
05
Slowly lower your upper body and legs back towards the starting position, maintaining core tension and not letting your heels touch the floor.
06
Repeat the movement, this time bringing your left elbow towards your right knee, alternating sides with each repetition.

Tips

Maintain a slow and controlled tempo throughout the movement, focusing on the contraction of your obliques rather than using momentum.
Keep your lower back pressed firmly into the floor at all times; if it arches, reduce the range of motion or lift your feet slightly higher from the ground.
Exhale forcefully as you crunch and twist, and inhale as you slowly return to the starting position to maximize core engagement.
For increased difficulty, try to keep your legs straighter and closer to the floor during the lowered phase, demanding more from your hip flexors and lower abs.

Common mistakes

Arching the lower back off the floor reduces core engagement and puts strain on the spine; fix this by actively pressing your lumbar spine down throughout the exercise.
Pulling on the neck with your hands can lead to neck strain; instead, keep your hands lightly supporting your head and lead the crunch with your chest.
Letting your feet touch the floor between repetitions releases tension from the core; maintain continuous tension by keeping your heels hovering just above the ground.

In the Ellim app, Leg Raise Oblique Crunch unlocks

Free — no subscription needed

Log sets, reps, and weight
Track every set as you train
See your strength curve
Performance graphs across all sessions
Add to a routine
Save into a custom workout in one tap
Rest timer with Live Activity
Dynamic Island countdown between sets
HealthKit sync
Workouts flow to Apple Health
3,500+ exercise library
Search, filter, and pick variations offline

Ready to train leg raise oblique crunch?

Get Ellim — Free

Questions

What muscles does Leg Raise Oblique Crunch work?

Leg Raise Oblique Crunch primarily targets Gluteus Medius, Iliopsoas, Obliques. Secondary muscles include Quadriceps, Rectus Abdominis, Tensor Fasciae Latae.

Is Leg Raise Oblique Crunch good for beginners?

Leg Raise Oblique Crunch is rated intermediate. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.

What equipment do I need for Leg Raise Oblique Crunch?

You need Body weight to perform Leg Raise Oblique Crunch. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.

What are the best tips for Leg Raise Oblique Crunch?

Maintain a slow and controlled tempo throughout the movement, focusing on the contraction of your obliques rather than using momentum. Keep your lower back pressed firmly into the floor at all times; if it arches, reduce the range of motion or lift your feet slightly higher from the ground. Exhale forcefully as you crunch and twist, and inhale as you slowly return to the starting position to maximize core engagement. For increased difficulty, try to keep your legs straighter and closer to the floor during the lowered phase, demanding more from your hip flexors and lower abs.

What are common mistakes when doing Leg Raise Oblique Crunch?

Arching the lower back off the floor reduces core engagement and puts strain on the spine; fix this by actively pressing your lumbar spine down throughout the exercise. Pulling on the neck with your hands can lead to neck strain; instead, keep your hands lightly supporting your head and lead the crunch with your chest. Letting your feet touch the floor between repetitions releases tension from the core; maintain continuous tension by keeping your heels hovering just above the ground.