How to do the Sit-Up
- Lie down on the floor placing your feet either under something that will not move or by having a partner hold them. Your legs should be bent at the knees.
- Place your hands behind your head and lock them together by clasping your fingers. This is the starting position.
- Elevate your upper body so that it creates an imaginary V-shape with your thighs. Breathe out when performing this part of the exercise.
- Once you feel the contraction for a second, lower your upper body back down to the starting position while inhaling.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Muscles worked
| Role | Muscles |
|---|---|
| Primary | abs |
| Equipment | no equipment |
| Difficulty | beginner |
| Type | isolation |
Train the same muscles a different way
6 alternatives for the same abs, with and without kit.
Harder than the Sit-Up
Superset the Sit-Up with
Opposing lower back work — alternate sets without extra rest.
Common questions
What muscles does the Sit-Up work?
The Sit-Up primarily works the abs. Ab Crunch Machine, Alternate Heel Touchers, and Barbell Side Bend train the same muscle, across 9 equipment types.
What equipment do you need for the Sit-Up?
None — the Sit-Up is bodyweight, so it works at home, in a hotel room or outdoors. Ab Crunch Machine and Alternate Heel Touchers also need nothing.
Is the Sit-Up suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Sit-Up is rated beginner. Hanging Pike, Bent Press, and Barbell Ab Rollout - On Knees are the progressions from here.
Where should the Sit-Up go in a workout?
Late — the Sit-Up is isolation work, so it follows your compounds. Supersetting it with Hyperextensions With No Hyperextension Bench and Hyperextensions (Back Extensions) cuts session time without extra rest.
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