What muscles does the Twist Crunch (Leg Up) target?

The Twist Crunch (Leg Up) primarily works your obliques, upper abs, and lower abs. You’ll also engage your upper legs slightly to keep your legs elevated and stable during the movement.

Do I need any equipment to perform the Twist Crunch (Leg Up)?

No equipment is required for the Twist Crunch (Leg Up); it's a bodyweight calisthenics exercise. You just need enough floor space and a mat for comfort, making it ideal for home workouts.

Is the Twist Crunch (Leg Up) suitable for beginners?

It can be challenging for absolute beginners due to the need to keep legs elevated. Beginners can modify by keeping feet on the ground or lowering the legs to reduce strain while still engaging the core.

What are common mistakes to avoid when doing the Twist Crunch (Leg Up)?

Avoid pulling on your neck with your hands and relying on momentum instead of controlled movement. Also, don’t drop or swing your legs keep them steady to maximize core engagement.

How many sets and reps should I do for Twist Crunch (Leg Up)?

For general core strengthening, aim for 2–3 sets of 12–20 reps per side. Focus on slow, controlled motions rather than rushing through the exercise to ensure proper muscle activation.

Are there any safety tips for performing the Twist Crunch (Leg Up)?

Keep your lower back pressed into the floor and engage your core to protect your spine. If you feel discomfort in your neck or lower back, stop and adjust your form or try a modified version.

What variations can I try for the Twist Crunch (Leg Up)?

You can make it harder by straightening your legs instead of bending them, or by holding a light medicine ball for added resistance. Simplify it by lowering your feet closer to the floor or removing the twist for a basic leg-up crunch.

Twist Crunch (Leg Up)

Target Muscles

Primary:

Secondary:

Equipment Required

Bodyweight

Exercise Type

Reps Only

How To Do

Lie on your back with your legs raised and bent at 90 degrees, and hands lightly behind your head. Crunch up, twisting your torso to bring your right elbow toward your left knee while keeping your legs stable, then return to start and alternate sides. Keep your core engaged and avoid pulling on your neck throughout the movement.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Lie flat on your back on the floor or a mat, keeping your legs raised and bent at a 90-degree angle.
Place your hands lightly behind your head, ensuring your elbows are pointing outward. Avoid pulling on your neck.
Engage your core by tightening your abdominal muscles.
Lift your upper body off the ground, twisting your torso to bring your right elbow toward your left knee while keeping your legs stable.
Lower your upper body back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
Repeat the movement on the opposite side, bringing your left elbow toward your right knee.
Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout the exercise.

Explore more obliques exercises or bodyweight exercises in our exercise library.

Alternative Exercises

Air Bike

Obliques

Upper Abs

Bodyweight

Bicycle Twisting Crunch

Obliques

Upper Abs

Bodyweight

Weighted Twisting Crunch (on bench)

Obliques

Upper Abs

Bench • Dumbbell

Medicine Ball Russian Twist

Abs

Obliques

Exercise Ball

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does the Twist Crunch (Leg Up) target?: The Twist Crunch (Leg Up) primarily works your obliques, upper abs, and lower abs. You’ll also engage your upper legs slightly to keep your legs elevated and stable during the movement.
Do I need any equipment to perform the Twist Crunch (Leg Up)?: No equipment is required for the Twist Crunch (Leg Up); it's a bodyweight calisthenics exercise. You just need enough floor space and a mat for comfort, making it ideal for home workouts.
Is the Twist Crunch (Leg Up) suitable for beginners?: It can be challenging for absolute beginners due to the need to keep legs elevated. Beginners can modify by keeping feet on the ground or lowering the legs to reduce strain while still engaging the core.
What are common mistakes to avoid when doing the Twist Crunch (Leg Up)?: Avoid pulling on your neck with your hands and relying on momentum instead of controlled movement. Also, don’t drop or swing your legs keep them steady to maximize core engagement.
How many sets and reps should I do for Twist Crunch (Leg Up)?: For general core strengthening, aim for 2–3 sets of 12–20 reps per side. Focus on slow, controlled motions rather than rushing through the exercise to ensure proper muscle activation.
Are there any safety tips for performing the Twist Crunch (Leg Up)?: Keep your lower back pressed into the floor and engage your core to protect your spine. If you feel discomfort in your neck or lower back, stop and adjust your form or try a modified version.
What variations can I try for the Twist Crunch (Leg Up)?: You can make it harder by straightening your legs instead of bending them, or by holding a light medicine ball for added resistance. Simplify it by lowering your feet closer to the floor or removing the twist for a basic leg-up crunch.