Otis-Up
Otis-Up is a beginner compound exercise that mainly works your abs, with help from your chest, shoulders and triceps.


How to do the otis-up
- Secure your feet and lay back on the floor. Your knees should be bent. Hold a weight with both hands to your chest. This will be your starting position.
- Initiate the movement by flexing the hips and spine to raise your torso up from the ground.
- As you move up, press the weight up so that it is above your head at the top of the movement.
- Return the weight to your chest as you reverse the sit-up motion, ensuring not to go all the way down to the floor.
Muscles worked
Sets and reps
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
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What muscles does the otis-up work?
It mainly works your abs; your chest, shoulders and triceps assist.
How many sets and reps of otis-up should I do?
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
Is the otis-up good for beginners?
Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.