TRX Oblique Crunch

CoreTRX

A rotational core movement from a plank, pulling both knees toward one elbow to target the obliques directly — a staple TRX ab-circuit move that adds rotation on top of the standard knee tuck.

Demo: TRX Oblique Crunch Demo

Sets

3

Reps

8-10 per side

Rest

45s

Contraindications

None significant.

Setup

Feet in the foot cradles at mid-calf, hands under shoulders in a strong plank.

Execution

  1. 1Brace the core in a solid plank
  2. 2Pull both knees up and rotate them toward one elbow
  3. 3Pause briefly at the top of the rotation
  4. 4Extend back to plank and repeat toward the other side

Key cues

  • Rotate the hips, not just the knees
  • Keep the shoulders relatively stable, let the hips do the twisting
  • Control the return to plank each rep
  • Alternate sides evenly

Common faults

  • Using momentum/kipping instead of controlled rotation
  • Shoulders collapsing during the twist
  • Uneven rotation range side to side
  • Straps twisting excessively

Tweaks

  • Slow the tempo for more oblique time under tension
  • Combine with a side plank hold in between reps
  • Add a push-up between rotations for a compound circuit

Regressions

TRX Knee Tuck

Muscles

Primary: Obliques

Secondary: Rectus Abdominis, Hip Flexors

Notes

TRX-specific. Angle = intensity: the more horizontal the body relative to the floor, the harder pressing/pulling/plank-style TRX moves become. For pulling movements (rows, face pulls), walking feet toward the anchor and leaning back further increases load. For pressing movements (push-ups, chest press), walking feet away from the anchor and standing more upright decreases load; moving feet closer to directly under the anchor point increases load. Foot position in the straps (heel vs. midfoot vs. toe) also changes leverage and load for lower-body moves. The rotation range (how far the knees travel toward the elbow) is the intensity lever here — a fuller rotation with control is harder than a partial one.

Sources

Attribution: TRX Training