Exercise guide
Cable Standing Serratus Obliques Crunch
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Waist
This isolation exercise targets the obliques and serratus anterior by using lateral flexion against constant cable resistance. It builds lateral core strength and enhances the definition of the muscles surrounding the ribcage.
Reviewed by the Crucible Fit team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Position the cable pulley at the highest setting and attach a D-handle.
- Stand sideways to the machine with a shoulder-width stance.
- Grasp the handle with the hand closest to the pulley, holding it near the side of your head.
- Use your free hand to hold a pull-up bar or the machine frame for added stability.
How to do it
- Exhale and crunch your torso laterally away from the machine, pulling your ribcage down toward your hip.
- Squeeze your obliques and serratus at the bottom of the movement for a one-second pause.
- Inhale as you slowly return to the starting position, resisting the cable's pull to maintain tension.
- Complete the set on one side, then switch sides to ensure balanced development.
Form checklist
- Keep your hips stationary and square; avoid any rotation of the lower body.
- Ensure the movement comes from the waist, not by pulling the handle with your arm.
- Maintain a slight bend in the knees to provide a stable base.
- Keep your chest facing forward throughout the entire range of motion.
Pro tips
- Focus on 'shortening the distance' between your bottom rib and your hip bone to maximize oblique recruitment.
- At the peak of the contraction, imagine tucking your ribs inward to specifically engage the serratus anterior.
Make it harder
- Increase the weight and implement a 3-4 second eccentric (return) phase to increase time under tension.
- Stand further away from the machine to create a more horizontal angle of resistance, increasing the demand on the lateral stabilizers.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the cable standing serratus obliques crunch work?
- The cable standing serratus obliques crunch primarily targets the abs and obliques, and also works the serratus anterior as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the cable standing serratus obliques crunch?
- The cable standing serratus obliques crunch uses cable.
- Is the cable standing serratus obliques crunch good for beginners?
- The cable standing serratus obliques crunch is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.