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Exercises › Abs › Sit-Up

Sit-Up

Sit-Up is a beginner isolation bodyweight exercise that mainly works your abs.

💪 Abs🏋️ Bodyweight📈 Beginner🔗 Isolation🎯 3 sets of 8-15 reps
Sit-Up: starting position
Starting position
Sit-Up: end position
End position

How to do the sit-up

  1. 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.
  2. Place your hands behind your head and lock them together by clasping your fingers. This is the starting position.
  3. Elevate your upper body so that it creates an imaginary V-shape with your thighs. Breathe out when performing this part of the exercise.
  4. Once you feel the contraction for a second, lower your upper body back down to the starting position while inhaling.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Primary: Abs

Sets and reps

Do 3 sets of 8-15 controlled reps, stopping 1-2 reps before failure. When you can do 15 easily, slow the tempo or add weight.

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Sit-Up alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

CrunchBodyweight · BeginnerCable CrunchCable · BeginnerAb Crunch MachineMachine · IntermediateBarbell Side BendBarbell · BeginnerDumbbell Side BendDumbbell · BeginnerSuspended FalloutOther · Intermediate

FAQ

What muscles does the sit-up work?

It mainly works your abs.

How many sets and reps of sit-up should I do?

Do 3 sets of 8-15 controlled reps, stopping 1-2 reps before failure. When you can do 15 easily, slow the tempo or add weight.

Is the sit-up good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

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