Start seated and simultaneously lift your torso and straight legs into a V shape, primarily working the abdominals. Perform controlled raises and lowers for each repetition.
How to do the V Up#
- Sit with your legs extended and place your hands on the floor beside your hips.
- Brace your core and drive your chest and legs upward together until your body forms a V at roughly a 45° angle.
- Reach your arms forward toward your shins or feet while keeping tension in the midline.
- Hold the top position briefly while maintaining abdominal engagement.
- Lower your torso and legs back to the starting position slowly and under control.
Muscles worked#
- Primary: Abs (Rectus Abdominis), Hip flexors (Iliopsoas (Hip Flexors))
- Secondary: Obliques (External & Internal Obliques)
Common mistakes#
- Using momentum to swing instead of lifting with the core.
- Allowing the lower back to arch during the raise.
- Pulling on the neck or jutting the chin forward.
- Dropping quickly on the descent instead of controlling the return.
