A study at San Diego State University measured the amount of
muscle activation occurring with each of 13 common abdominal
exercises and ranked the bicycle crunch as a top pick. Muscles
targeted include: • External obliques: These muscles allow for
rotation of the torso, flexion of the spine, and sideways
bending and compression of the abdomen. • Internal obiques:
These muscles lie just below the external obliques and assist in
providing flexing of the spinal column, sideways bending, trunk
rotation and compressing the abdomen. • Rectus abdominis: These
“six-pack" muscles help to flex the spinal column, as well as
acting as a stabilizer during movement. Lie down on the floor
face up, with your knees bent and fingertips lightly touching
the back of your neck. Gently press the low back into the floor.
Slowly lift the shoulders and upper back from the floor and then
gently twist to the left, bringing your right elbow toward your
left knee. Keep your right leg extended and off the floor. To
complete one repetition