Exercise library
Sit-Up
The sit-up is a classic bodyweight core exercise that trains the abs through a full trunk flexion from lying to sitting.
BodyweightCoreBeginner
- Equipment
- Bodyweight
- Focus
- Core
- Level
- Beginner
- Suggested sets
- 3 sets of 12–20 reps.
- Muscles worked
- AbsObliques
How to do it
- 1Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- 2Cross your arms over your chest or place your hands by your head.
- 3Brace your core and curl your torso up toward your knees.
- 4Sit all the way up while keeping the movement controlled.
- 5Lower yourself back down under control until your shoulders touch the floor, then repeat.
Tips & tricks
- Curl up one vertebra at a time rather than jerking up.
- Keep your chin slightly tucked but do not pull on your neck.
- Anchor your feet or have a partner hold them if they lift off.
Common mistakes
- Yanking on the head and neck to get up.
- Using momentum by throwing the arms forward.
- Letting the lower back arch instead of curling the spine.
