Cross Twisting Sit-up (VERSION 2)
- Target muscle
- —
- Equipment
- Body weight
- Body part
- Waist
- Type
- Strength
The cross twisting sit-up (version 2) is a bodyweight core exercise that trains the abdominals and the obliques along your waist. By adding a cross-body twist to each sit-up, it works the muscles that flex and rotate your trunk, making it a practical move for building rotational core strength with no equipment.
How to do the Cross Twisting Sit-up (VERSION 2)
- 1Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor at about hip width.
- 2Place your fingertips lightly behind your ears or cross your hands over your chest, keeping your elbows wide.
- 3Brace your core and curl your head and shoulders off the floor to begin the sit-up.
- 4As you rise, rotate your torso to bring one shoulder across toward the opposite knee.
- 5Pause briefly at the top, feeling the squeeze along the working side of your waist.
- 6Lower under control back to the start, untwisting as you descend.
- 7Repeat the curl, twisting to the other side this time, and alternate sides each rep.
- 8Continue alternating for your target reps, keeping the motion smooth and controlled.
Form tips
- Lead the twist with your shoulder and ribcage, not your elbow, so the rotation comes from your torso rather than your arms.
- Keep your neck relaxed and your chin slightly off your chest to avoid straining it as you curl.
- Move slowly and exhale as you twist up, inhaling as you lower back down.
- Keep your lower back in contact with the floor at the bottom of each rep to maintain tension on your core.
Common mistakes
- Pulling on your head or neck with your hands, which strains the neck and takes work away from the abs.
- Using momentum to throw yourself up instead of curling under control, which reduces tension on the waist.
- Twisting only at the arms while the torso stays square, so the obliques never actually do the rotational work.
- Letting your feet lift or kick up to swing the body, which cheats the rep and shifts effort off the core.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the cross twisting sit-up work?
It targets the core through your waist, training the abdominals that flex your trunk and the obliques that handle the cross-body twisting motion.
Is the cross twisting sit-up good for beginners?
Yes. It uses only your body weight, so you can start with a few slow, controlled reps and add more as your core strength improves.
How many sets and reps should I do?
A sensible starting point is 2–3 sets of 10–15 reps per side, alternating sides. Focus on a controlled twist rather than rushing through the numbers.
Where should I feel this exercise?
You should feel it across the front and sides of your waist — the abdominals as you curl up and the obliques on the side you twist toward.
