Abstract: A compact portable abdominal exercise apparatus is provided and includes an upper body member slidingly received by a lower body member. A resistance member is attached between the upper body member and the lower body member to provide resistance to relative motion of the upper and lower body members in a first direction. The lower body member is adapted to engage a chair or other sitting platform, either between the legs of a user or on either side of the user's body adjacent a thigh. The size of the exercise apparatus positions the user in an ergonomic position that permits the user to perform oblique crunches downward and to either side, or forward if the lower body member is positioned between the user's legs, to exercise all of the abdominal muscles. A slideable cover protects the user from moving parts associated with the exercise apparatus.