Roman Chair Sit-Up

Abs, ObliquesMachine

Roman chair sit-ups target the rectus abdominis and obliques through a full range of motion. This movement builds abdominal strength and endurance.

How to do it

1Secure your feet under the ankle pads and position your glutes on the seat pad.

2Cross your arms over your chest or hold your hands near your temples, keeping your torso straight.

3Lower your torso back smoothly until it is parallel to the floor, keeping your lower back controlled without hyperextending.

4Contract your abdominals to pull your torso back up to the starting position.

Common mistakes

Hyperextending your lower back at the bottom, putting dangerous stress on your spine.

Jerking your body and using momentum, which removes tension from the abs and increases injury risk.

Yanking your head and neck forward, straining the cervical spine.

Breathing

Inhale as you lower your torso. Exhale as you rise back up.

Make it harder or easier

To make it easier, shorten the range of motion when lowering your torso.

To make it harder, hold a light weight plate against your chest.

This is general guidance, not a medical opinion. Listen to your body: if it hurts, stop. If you have an injury or a chronic condition, talk to a doctor first.