Elbow To Knee Side Plank Crunch

Lie on your side, place your elbow under your shoulder, and lift your hips into a side plank. Place your top hand lightly behind your head and square your pelvis to stabilize your torso.

Slowly bring the top knee toward the same-side elbow and crunch your side. Let your obliques bring them together instead of reaching with your arm.

Slowly extend your leg and return to the side plank. Keep your obliques engaged so your hips do not sink.

Focus on the side of your core tightening as you crunch. If your arm works more than your obliques, shorten the knee drive.

Dropping your hips or tilting forward and back reduces oblique engagement and strains your shoulder. Prioritize side-plank alignment over pulling the knee far in.

Exhale as your knee and elbow come together and inhale as you extend. A long exhale helps your side tighten more deeply.

Your elbow and knee do not have to touch. If holding the plank is difficult, place your lower knee on the floor and focus on the side contraction.