Sumo Oblique Crunch

Sumo oblique crunch (also know as Plie side oblique crunch) is a great standing ab exercise. This functional core exercise works more than just your abdominal muscles in your body thus burns more calories than regular ab exercises done on the floor.

This ab exercise is recommended for those who are trying to lose weight, do sports, dance or fight. Plus everyone else who wants to have better posture, better overall fitness performance and better control of their body. Due to its functionality sumo oblique crunch will improve performance of every day tasks as well. Before you draw any conclusions, let me tell you that this exercise is more challenging than it looks like.

SUMO OBLIQUE CRUNCH VIDEO DEMONSTRATION

BENEFITS:

• No equipment needed. You can do it anytime, anywhere.
• Less strain and pull on the neck and back.
• Improves postural support, balance, and stability.
• Won’t get your abs bulky.
• Works more muscles at once = burns more calories.
• More functional than regular ab exercises done on the foor.

HOW TO DO SUMO OBLIQUE CRUNCH

First, get in a sumo squat position. Start by placing your feet wide apart with your toes pointing out. Bend the knees in about 90 degrees or less depending on your mobility. Keep your back straight. When you squat down make sure your knees go to the same direction your toes are pointing. Then put your fingers behind the head with the elbows pointing out. This will be your starting position.

While keeping your lower body constant, crunch to your side at a moderate pace. Lean down as far as you can and squeeze the obliques. Try to get a good stretch on the other side. Inhale on the way down. Imagine you have to touch the knee with your elbow. Reaching the knee isn’t necessary though. Unless you are flexible enough.

By contracting the obliques you just stretched out, return your torso back up. Exhale. Without pausing in the top position, repeat the same movement to the other side. Keep alternating sides for the desired count of repetitions or until you are not able to execute no more quality reps.

TIPS:

• To increase the difficulty of this exercise, put a barbell on your back.
• Do not swing your torso from side to side. It’s not about the speed, but the quality of each repetition.
• If you have a hard time to get in and hold sumo squat position, take this as a sign to strengthen and stretch your legs.
• Once your technique begins to suffer take a rest.
• If you experience pain or discomfort in knees or lower back, stop the exercise and consult your physician.