A sit-up flexes the spine to lift the torso toward the thighs, primarily working the abdominal muscles.
How to do the Sit Up#
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet anchored under a stable weight; place your hands at the sides of your head.
- Brace your abdominal muscles and exhale as you curl your torso upward toward your thighs.
- Hold briefly at the top with your neck relaxed and chin slightly tucked.
- Inhale as you lower your back slowly and under control to the starting position.
Muscles worked#
- Primary: Abs (Rectus Abdominis), Hip flexors (Iliopsoas (Hip Flexors))
- Secondary: Obliques (External & Internal Obliques)
Common mistakes#
- Pulling on the head or neck with your hands.
- Using a fast jerking motion or swinging the torso for momentum.
- Letting the hips rock so the hip flexors do most of the work.
- Dropping quickly on the descent instead of controlling it.
Sit Up vs other exercises#
Head-to-head breakdowns of muscles worked, loading, joint stress, and which one to pick for your goal.
