Core exercise
Sit Up
Full torso raise from lying down to sitting up.
- Primary muscleCore
- EquipmentBodyweight
- MovementCore
- LevelIntermediate
- Core
- Bodyweight
How to do the Sit Up
4 steps, in the order you do them.
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- Cross your arms over your chest, with each hand on the opposite shoulder.
- Raise your whole torso until you're sitting up, with your back straight and no jerking.
- Lower with control, one vertebra at a time, until your back is on the floor.
Muscles worked
Common Sit Up mistakes
What goes wrong most often when you do the Sit Up, and how to fix it.
You pull up with a jerk and your feet lift off the floor.
Curl up slowly, one segment at a time, and keep your feet down. If they lift, hook them under a support.
Your neck bends and your chin goes to your chest.
Keep space between your chin and chest, as if you were holding a small ball.
Your torso drops on the way down.
Lower one vertebra at a time until your back is on the floor, controlling it with your abs.
Alternatives to the Sit Up
They work the core with other equipment, including options for training at home.
Mobbe
Log every set and watch your numbers climb.
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More core exercises
Stability Ball PlankCore · Other
Reverse CrunchCore · Bodyweight
Standing Ab Wheel RolloutCore · Ab wheel
Plank Shoulder TapCore · Bodyweight
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Sit Up work?
The Sit Up works mainly the core.