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Abs exercise · body weight

Sit-Up with Arms on Chest

The sit-up with arms on chest is a bodyweight exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors assisting.

Animated demonstration of the sit-up with arms on chest
Sit-Up with Arms on Chest — demonstration
Target muscle
Abs
Also works
Hip flexors
Equipment
Body weight
Body part
Waist

How to do the sit-up with arms on chest

  1. Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
  2. Cross your arms over your chest.
  3. Engaging your abs, lift your upper body off the ground towards your knees.
  4. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your upper body back down to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets and reps

Start with 3 sets of 10–15 reps, resting 45–60 seconds. When every set feels easy, add reps, slow the lowering phase or move to a harder variation.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the abs. The hip flexors work as secondary muscles. See all ab exercises or every bodyweight exercise.

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