Sit-up (arms down)
The Sit-up (arms down) primarily works the Rectus Abdominis, with secondary activation of the External Obliques, Iliopsoas, Rectus Femoris, Sartorius, Tensor Fasciae Latae and stabilizer support from the Tibialis Anterior. It is a bodyweight compound exercise at intermediate difficulty.
A bodyweight compound pull exercise targeting the Rectus Abdominis.
| Equipment | Bodyweight |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Type | Compound |
| Movement | Flexion |
| Force | Pull |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Rectus Abdominis |
| Secondary | External Obliques, Iliopsoas, Rectus Femoris, Sartorius, Tensor Fasciae Latae |
Muscles Worked
Front
Back
Primary
Secondary
Stabilizer
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Rectus Abdominis (core)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle External Obliques (core)
- Secondary Muscle Iliopsoas (hip_flexors)
- Secondary Muscle Rectus Femoris (quadriceps)
- Secondary Muscle Sartorius (hip_flexors)
- Secondary Muscle Tensor Fasciae Latae (hip_flexors)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Tibialis Anterior (calves)
Instructions
- Preparation: Lie supine on mat or bench with hips bent and feet on floor or bench. Hook feet under foot brace or secure low overhang if required to keep feet down. Extend arms down to sides. Execution: Raise torso from mat or bench by bending waist and hips. Extend hands toward sides of heels. Return until back of shoulders contact mat or bench. Repeat. Comments: If upper back does not come completely down at end of movement, abdominal muscles may only beisometricallyinvolved in exercise. Pectineus, Adductor Longus, and Brevis do not assist in hip flexion since hips are already initially bent.
Alternative Exercises
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