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Abs exercise · cable

Cable Side Crunch

The cable side crunch is a cable exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques assisting.

Animated demonstration of the cable side crunch
Cable Side Crunch — demonstration
Target muscle
Abs
Also works
Obliques
Equipment
Cable
Body part
Waist

How to do the cable side crunch

  1. Attach a cable handle to a low pulley and stand sideways to the machine.
  2. Grasp the handle with the hand furthest from the machine and place your other hand on your hip.
  3. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
  4. With your abs engaged, bend sideways at the waist, bringing your elbow down towards your hip.
  5. Pause for a moment at the bottom, then slowly return to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch sides.

Sets and reps

For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest is a proven starting point. For strength, use a heavier weight for 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps and rest 2–3 minutes. Add a little weight once you hit the top of your rep range on every set.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the abs. The obliques work as secondary muscles. See all ab exercises or every cable exercise.

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