Across-Body Twisting Crunch

Starting Position:

1. Lie on your back on the mat.
2. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground, hip-width apart.
3. Place your hands behind your head with your elbows out to the sides. Keep your head relaxed in your hands.

Movement Instructions:

1. Engage your core by tightening your abdominal muscles.
2. As you exhale, lift your shoulder blades off the ground and twist your upper body to the right, bringing your left elbow toward your right knee.
3. At the same time, extend your left leg straight out, hovering just above the ground.
4. Hold for a moment at the top of the movement, feeling the contraction in your obliques (side abdominal muscles).
5. Inhale and return to the starting position slowly, lowering your shoulder blades back to the mat and bringing your left leg back in.
6. Repeat the movement on the other side by twisting to the left, bringing your right elbow toward your left knee and extending your right leg.
7. Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips for Beginners:

- Start slow to ensure proper form and control.
- Focus on the twist coming from your torso rather than pulling on your neck with your hands.
- If you feel discomfort in your lower back, try to keep your movements smaller until you build strength.