V-Ups
From lying flat, you lift the straight legs and torso together so the hands meet the feet over the hips, then lower both back down. It trains the abs and hip flexors through a long range of motion. Choose it when crunches and leg raises have become easy.
Updated
Primary muscles: Abs. Supporting muscles: Hip Flexors, Lower Abs. Equipment: Bodyweight.
Muscles worked
Primary
Secondary
Equipment
How to do it
- Lie on your back with the legs straight and the arms reaching overhead.
- Brace the core and press the low back toward the floor.
- Lift the arms, torso and straight legs at the same time.
- Reach the hands toward the shins or toes above the hips.
- Balance on the sit bones for one count at the top.
- Lower the torso and legs under control until the shoulders and heels just touch the floor.
Watch for
- Throwing the arms to swing the torso up.
- Low back arching as the legs lower.
- Bending the knees to shorten the lever.
Breathing
Exhale as you fold up, inhale as you lower.
Tip
Bend the knees into the chest as the torso rises (a tuck V-up) until you can keep the legs straight with clean reps.
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