Hanging oblique crunches

Category

Core

Difficulty

Intermediate

Equipment

Bodyweight

Primary muscles

Rectus Abdominis, Obliques

Secondary muscles

Iliopsoas

How to do it

1. Hang from a pull-up bar with your hands shoulder-width apart, palms facing forward or towards each other. Allow your body to hang straight with your feet off the floor.
2. Engage your core and, keeping your legs together, bend your knees and lift them towards your right elbow, twisting your torso to engage your obliques.
3. Raise your knees as high as comfortably possible, aiming to bring them towards your elbow.
4. Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position with control. Repeat the movement, this time lifting your knees towards your left elbow. Alternate sides for the desired number of repetitions.

Form tips

• Avoid swinging your body; use controlled movements to lift and lower your legs.
• Focus on steady breathing, exhaling as you lift your knees and twist, and inhaling as you lower them.
• Ensure your grip on the bar is secure to prevent slipping.