5 Tips for Perfecting the Pilates Criss Cross Exercise: With Video Demonstration

One of the most common core exercises is the Pilates “Criss Cross”, also known as the “Bicycle Crunch”. This exercise is highly underrated because it is often done incorrectly. Our main goal for performing this exercise is to bring emphasis to the internal and external obliques. This will help give shape to our waistline. Today, I am sharing with you my 5 Criss Cross Tips and Demonstration Video to help make the exercise more effective the next time you perform it!

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The Pilates Criss Cross Exercise

One of the most common core exercises is the Pilates “Criss Cross”, also known as the “Bicycle Crunch”. This exercise is highly underrated because it is often done incorrectly. Our main goal for performing this exercise is to bring emphasis to the internal and external obliques. This will help give shape to our waistline.

Today, I am sharing with you my 5 Criss Cross Tips and Video Demonstration to help make the exercise more effective the next time you perform it!

Pilates Criss Cross and the Oblique Muscles

When properly performing the Pilates Criss Cross exercise, you are activating your internal and external oblique muscles. Strong oblique muscles are very important, as they are responsible for bending and twisting movements in your day-to-day daily life activities and tasks. Strengthening your oblique muscles will also help to ensure you are doing a complete abdominal workout.

Try these 5 Pilates Criss Cross Tips below to perfect this exercise the next time you perform it!

5 Tips for Perfecting the Pilates Criss Cross Exercise

  1. Hands – Place hands LIGHTLY behind nape of neck.
  2. Head – Curl head up from upper abdominals, NOT hands.
  3. Elbows – Keep elbows wide. Think armpit to knee instead of elbow to knee.
  4. Torso – Rotate torso from the obliques by lifting UP and across the mid line.
  5. Concentrate – Slow down! Establish your mind-body connection by focusing your mind on the exact part of your body you are trying to target.

Watch the video demonstration below to see my 5 Pilates Criss Cross Tips in action!

Video Demonstration: Pilates Criss Cross Exercise

Did you try them?

If you tried my 5 Tips for Perfecting the Pilates Criss Cross Exercise, tell me how they went! Did you notice a difference in your oblique muscles? I would love to hear from you!

Your Friend & Pilates Expert,

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Kayla Brugger
Founder of PILATESBODY by Kayla
Founder of PILATESBODY On-Demand

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Hi, I'm Kayla Brugger. Certified Pilates Instructor & Minnesota Mama of 2.

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