1. Get the Equipment for a Diagonal Crunch
You need an exercise ball or stability ball to perform the diagonal crunch with leg lift. The ball creates a support for the back and works on the abdominal muscles, particularly the obliques in this case. Most of the lower body gets exercise and if you add weights, the upper body gets a good workout, too.
2. Warm Up
Warm up with stretch exercises before you begin the diagonal crunch with the leg lift. Warm up is an excessively important part of any exercise program. Side bend stretches are ideal prior to the diagonal crunch. Don't ignore the other parts of the body, though. The diagonal crunch works all the lower body as you attempt to keep yourself on the ball, so make sure your whole body is warmed up before you start.
3. Get in Start Position
Sit on the ball to help you find the correct position to start the exercise. Slide down as you walk with your feet and allow the ball to roll up the back. Once the ball is located in your mid/lower back area, you are ready to begin. Spread the feet apart to the width of your hips. Bend your legs at the knee so that the ankles are directly under the knees. Lift the shoulders and head off the ball. Place your hands behind your head and keep the elbows out.
4. Crunch a Bunch
Crunch down on the abdominal muscles and make the hips move toward the ribs as you lift your shoulders from the ball. Lift the right knee at the same time and cross over toward your left elbow. Attempt to touch the left elbow to the right knee. The more advanced you are, the closer you should get. Slowly drop back down on the ball one vertebra at a time. When you crunch together, exhale; as you drop back down, inhale. Next, lift the shoulders again and attempt to touch the right elbow to the left knee. Slowly drop back down one vertebra at a time to the ball.
5. Challenge Your Diagonal Crunch
If you are more advanced, you can add a little more difficulty to your exercise. Do the exercise but instead of putting your hands behind your head, straighten them and place them directly above you. Hold a weight plate in each hand if you really want a belly buster. If you want to work hard, attempt to pull your knee directly to the chest during the exercise.
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