Twisting Crunch (Straight Arms)
Expert Advice
Exhale as you crunch and twist to maximize abdominal contraction and ensure you are not pulling on your neck.
How-to-do Steps
- Lie on your back with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Extend your arms straight out to the sides with palms facing down.
- Lift your shoulders off the floor and twist your torso to bring your right hand towards your left knee.
- Return to the center and then twist to bring your left hand towards your right knee.
- Alternate sides for the desired number of repetitions.
Track Twisting Crunch (Straight Arms) in FitAI
Log your sets, reps, and weights automatically. Get AI-powered progressive overload recommendations and form feedback — personalized to your training history.
Muscles Worked
Twisting Crunch (Straight Arms) primarily targets the Abs, with Strength mechanics using Body Weight. Understanding muscle activation patterns helps you focus on proper engagement and maximize training effectiveness.
Primary

Abs100%
Equipment
Body Weight

Exercise Type
Strength
Sets & Reps Guidance
Beginner3 x 10-12
Intermediate4 x 8-10
Advanced4 x 6-8
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does Twisting Crunch (Straight Arms) work?
Twisting Crunch (Straight Arms) primarily targets the Abs. It is classified as a Strength exercise performed with Body Weight.
How many sets and reps should I do for Twisting Crunch (Straight Arms)?
For beginners, start with 3 sets of 10-12. Intermediate lifters can do 4 sets of 8-10. Advanced athletes can push to 4 sets of 6-8. Adjust based on your goals and recovery capacity.
Is Twisting Crunch (Straight Arms) suitable for beginners?
Twisting Crunch (Straight Arms) is rated as intermediate difficulty. Beginners may want to start with lighter loads or simpler variations and progress to this exercise as their strength and coordination improve.