Exercise guide
Twisting Crunch Shin Touch
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Waist
This dynamic core exercise targets the rectus abdominis and obliques by combining a vertical crunch with a rotational reach, enhancing both trunk stability and rotational power.
Reviewed by the Crucible Fit team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Lie flat on your back on a mat with your legs fully extended and feet together.
- Place your hands lightly behind your head with elbows flared, or extend them overhead for a greater challenge.
- Engage your core to press your lower back firmly into the floor, eliminating any arch.
How to do it
- Exhale as you simultaneously lift your upper back off the floor and raise one leg toward the ceiling.
- Rotate your torso to reach the opposite hand across your body to touch the shin of the raised leg.
- Inhale as you slowly lower your torso and leg back to the starting position with a controlled 2-second tempo.
- Repeat the movement on the opposite side, alternating legs and reaching arms for each repetition.
Form checklist
- Keep your lower back in contact with the floor to protect the spine.
- Lead the rotation with your shoulder rather than just pulling your elbow forward.
- Keep the moving leg as straight as possible to engage the lower abs.
- Avoid pulling on your neck; use your abdominal strength to lift your head and shoulders.
Pro tips
- Focus on the 'rib-to-hip' connection, visualizing your bottom rib moving toward the opposite hip bone for maximum oblique recruitment.
- Pause for a half-second at the top of the movement to emphasize the peak contraction.
Make it harder
- Keep both feet hovering 2-3 inches off the ground throughout the entire set to maintain constant tension on the lower abdominals.
- Hold a light medicine ball or dumbbell between both hands to increase the rotational resistance.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the twisting crunch shin touch work?
- The twisting crunch shin touch primarily targets the abs and obliques, and also works the erector spinae as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the twisting crunch shin touch?
- The twisting crunch shin touch requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the twisting crunch shin touch good for beginners?
- The twisting crunch shin touch is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.