Sit-Up

Abs, obliques, hip flexorsBodyweight

Classic core exercise targeting the rectus abdominis, obliques, and hip flexors. Requires no gear and builds foundational trunk control.

How to do it

1Lie flat on your back, bend your knees, and plant your feet firmly on the floor.

2Place your hands lightly behind your head or cross them over your chest without pulling on your neck.

3Curl your upper body up smoothly by contracting your abs.

4Come all the way up to a vertical seated position while keeping full control.

5Lower back down smoothly, unrolling your spine back onto the floor segment by segment.

Common mistakes

Yanking on your neck with your hands, putting strain on the cervical spine.

Jerking up using momentum, disengaging the abs and stressing the lower back.

Lifting your feet off the floor during the ascent, destroying core stability.

Breathing

Inhale at the bottom, exhale as you sit up. Inhale smoothly on the way down.

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.