Starfish Crunch

Abs, ObliquesBodyweight

The starfish crunch is a dynamic floor exercise for your core. The diagonal arm-and-leg motion targets both your rectus abdominis and obliques.

How to do it

1Lie flat on your back with your arms and legs spread wide in an 'X' shape.

2Press your lower back into the floor and lift your head and shoulder blades slightly off the mat.

3Simultaneously raise one leg and the opposite arm, crunching diagonally across your torso.

4Touch your hand to your foot or shin at the top by contracting your abs.

5Lower back down with control and repeat on the opposite side.

Common mistakes

Arching your lower back off the floor on the return, straining your spine.

Flinging your arms and legs using momentum instead of engaging your abs.

Yanking on your neck and tucking your chin aggressively to your chest.

Breathing

Exhale as you crunch up; inhale as you lower back down.

Make it harder or easier

To scale down, bend your knee or reach for your knee instead of your foot. To make it harder, keep your hands and feet elevated off the floor throughout the entire set.

This is general guidance, not a medical opinion. Listen to your body: if it hurts, stop. If you have an injury or a chronic condition, talk to a doctor first.