Kneeling Cable Crunch With Alternating Oblique Twists

Kneeling Cable Crunch With Alternating Oblique Twists is a strength - sequential straight and diagonal flexion exercise involving Rectus abdominis. Use these steps to learn the movement and work with your coach to choose a suitable level.

Last updated: 2026-10-31 · DynPerformance

Primary muscles: Rectus abdominis
Secondary muscles: Internal and external obliques, Transversus abdominis
Exercise type: Strength - sequential straight and diagonal flexion

Exercise technique

Setup
Attach a rope to a high pulley and kneel about an arm's length away.
Grip
Secure the rope behind your head with hands beside your ears.
Straight repetition
Curl your ribs toward your pelvis and direct your elbows toward your knees.
Open
Rise under control while keeping the hips still.
Diagonal repetition
Halfway through the next curl, turn one shoulder toward the opposite knee.
Sequence
Return to the start and perform the next diagonal with the other shoulder.
Control
Continue the straight and both diagonal movements while exhaling.

Key technique points

Maintain hand position.
Add rotation midway through the curl.
Do not lower your hips onto your heels.
Do not pull your neck to touch the elbows down.
Keep the diagonal angle small.
Slowly unwind each rotation.

Common mistakes

Pulling the rope with the arms

Do not replace abdominal curling with a lat pull.

Rotating the hips

Do not create the diagonal by turning the whole pelvis sideways.

Forceful twisting

Do not force sudden lower-back rotation under load.

Pulling the head

Do not press the rope into the neck and fold from it.

Rushing the sequence

Do not lose straight and diagonal control through excessive speed.

Arching backward

Do not increase your lower-back curve at the end of extension.

Frequently asked questions