Sit-Up
Difficulty: Intermediate
The Sit-Up is an an advanced exercise strengthening the abdominal muscles and hip flexor muscles. The situp can cause back and spinal cord damage if done improperly (with the back arched) or excessively. For beginners, the crunch is a good replacement exercise.
Step 1 - Start Flat on the MatStart with your back flat on the mat and your knees bent. You can either put your hands on your head behind your ears or across your chest. The exercise is slightly easier if you anchor your feet under a heavy object or have someone hold them. |
Step 2 - Contract Your AbsContract your abs to lift your entire upper body, from the tail bone upwards, off the mat. Stop when your are fully upright. |
Step 3 - Return to the Starting PositionSlowly, and with control, return to the starting position. Make sure your back does not arch. |
Equipment:
MatMuscles Used:
Abs [
Rectus Abdominis
,
Obliques
]
Hip/Thigh [
Iliopsoas
]
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