How to do the Decline Oblique Crunch
Secure your legs at the end of the decline bench and slowly lay down on the bench.
Raise your upper body off the bench until your torso is about 35-45 degrees if measured from the floor.
Put one hand beside your head and the other on your thigh. This will be your starting position.
Raise your upper body slowly from the starting position while turning your torso to the left. Continue crunching up as you exhale until your right elbow touches your left knee. Hold this contracted position for a second. Tip: Focus on keeping your abs tight and keeping the movement slow and controlled.
Lower your body back down slowly to the starting position as you inhale.
After completing one set on the right for the recommended amount of repetitions, switch to your left side. Tip: Focus on really twisting your torso and feeling the contraction when you are in the up position.
Sets and reps
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle growth | 3–4 | 6–15 | 1.5 min |
| Muscular endurance | 2–3 | 15–20 | 1 min |
When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add a rep or a harder variation next session.
Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.
Muscles worked
Primary
The obliques rotate and side-bend your trunk, and resist both. Side planks, Pallof presses, woodchops and carries cover every job.
Train smarter
- 2 day workout plan: build muscle training twice a weekA 2 day workout plan that still builds muscle and strength: two full-body sessions, sets and reps, supersets to save time and what results to expect.
- 30 minute gym workout: templates that build muscleA 30 minute gym workout can build real muscle. Supersets, smart exercise choice and three ready-to-use templates for 30 to 45 minute sessions.
- 4 day workout split: best options and a full programWhich 4 day workout split is best? Upper/lower, full body, torso/limbs and bro splits compared in brief, then a complete 4-day program with sets and reps.