Sit-Ups
CoreMuscles worked
corehip flexors
- Equipment
- No equipment
- Level
- Beginner
- How much to do
- 10–15 reps per set.
How to do it
- Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat, and your hands crossed over your chest or lightly behind your head.
- Brace your abs and press your lower back gently toward the floor.
- Curl all the way up until your chest reaches toward your thighs.
- Lower yourself back down with control, one vertebra at a time.
- Keep your feet grounded and the movement smooth rather than jerky.
How to breathe
Breathe in as you lower, out as you push. Never hold your breath at the hardest point.
Common mistakes
Pulling on your neck with your hands. Rest your fingers behind your ears and lead with your ribs, not your elbows.
Swinging into it. If momentum is doing the work, slow down until the muscle has to.
Stopping short of the ends. Half a rep trains half the muscle — go all the way to each end.
Frequently asked questions
- Which muscles do Sit-Ups work?
- Sit-Ups mainly work your core. They also engage your hip flexors.
- What equipment do you need for Sit-Ups?
- None — Sit-Ups are a bodyweight move you can do anywhere.
- Are Sit-Ups good for beginners?
- Yes — Sit-Ups are beginner-friendly. Start slow and keep your form clean.
- How many reps of Sit-Ups should you do?
- 10–15 reps per set.