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Mini Loop Band Bicycle Crunch

Intermediate
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A resistance band-enhanced bicycle crunch targeting rectus abdominis and obliques to build core rotational strength and stability; alternates sides with band tension around feet.

About Exercise

Equipment

Loop Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Quads, Glutes, Lower Back

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Stability
Hypertrophy
Endurance

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

10/10

Rectus Abdominis

Obliques

9/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Hip Flexors

6/10

Iliopsoas

Quads

4/10

Glutes

3/10

Lower Back

3/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

12-25 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Lie supine on the floor with knees and hips bent at 90 degrees in tabletop position. Loop a mini resistance band around both feet at the arches and place hands lightly behind head with elbows wide.

  1. Lift shoulders off floor engaging core.
  2. Extend left leg straight while drawing right knee toward chest.
  3. Twist torso to bring left elbow toward right knee.
  4. Switch sides by extending right leg and drawing left knee in.
  5. Rotate right elbow toward left knee.
  6. Alternate sides in continuous motion.
  7. Maintain band tension and low back contact throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Press low back into floor
  • Rotate from torso not neck
  • Elbows stay wide
  • Keep shins parallel in tabletop
  • Engage obliques on twist

Breathing

Exhale during the twist and knee draw-in; inhale as you switch sides.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Shoulders lift to crunch position with elbow nearing opposite knee; extend leg straight against band resistance while keeping low back pressed down.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain exists
  • Check band for wear before use
  • Keep movement controlled to prevent strain
  • Do not pull head forward with hands
  • Secure band to avoid slippage
  • Stop if neck discomfort occurs

Spotting

Not required; self-supported bodyweight exercise with optional mat for comfort.

Common Mistakes

  • Pulling on neck
  • Arching lower back
  • Swinging legs quickly
  • Letting band slacken
  • Narrowing elbows inward

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Neck strain
  • Recent abdominal surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip flexion range
  • Thoracic rotation mobility

Build Up First

  • Master basic bicycle crunch
  • Core engagement proficiency

Also known as

Banded Bicycle Crunch, Resistance Band Bicycle Crunch, Mini Band Oblique Crunch

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