Sit-Up
The Sit-Up isolates the Abdominals through a controlled range of motion. This beginner-level body only exercise builds focused strength where compound movements often fall short.
Starting position
Ending position
Muscles Worked
The abdominals handles the primary load during this movement. This isolation movement keeps tension concentrated on a single muscle group.
How to 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.
Common Mistakes
- • Focus on the mind-muscle connection — feel the target muscle working through each rep.
- • Use a controlled tempo of 2 seconds up, 2 seconds down to eliminate momentum.
- • If reps become too easy, slow the tempo or add a pause at the hardest point rather than rushing through more reps.
- • Squeeze at peak contraction for a full second — this is where most of the growth stimulus occurs.
Similar Exercises
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does the Sit-Up work?
The Sit-Up primarily targets the Abdominals. It's an effective isolation exercise for building abdominals strength.
Is the Sit-Up good for beginners?
Yes, the Sit-Up is suitable for beginners. Start with light weight to master the 5-step form before adding load.
What equipment do I need for the Sit-Up?
You need no equipment — just your bodyweight to perform the Sit-Up. This makes it ideal for home workouts.
Track Your Progress
RepStack logs every set, calculates your e1RM, and coaches progressive overload — automatically.