Standing Side Crunch

Stand tall with both hands lightly behind your head and your chest open. Brace your core and obliques so your torso does not collapse side to side.

Lift one knee to the side while lowering the same-side elbow toward it. Do not bend only at the waist; tighten your side to bring the elbow and knee closer.

Lower your leg and straighten your torso, then switch sides. Use your obliques to stand back up instead of relying on momentum.

Focus on the side that stays shortened rather than on touching elbow to knee. If your thigh works more than your side, pay closer attention to folding your torso sideways.

Lifting only the knee high or leaning forward reduces oblique engagement. Lower the knee if needed, but keep the side crunch clear.

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

If balance is shaky, lift your knee lower and lightly touch a wall with one hand. Use the same number of reps on both sides.