3/4 Sit-Up

A beginner strength exercise for the abs, done with just your bodyweight.

Main muscles: Abs
Equipment: Bodyweight
Level: Beginner
Type: Compound
Movement: Pull

How to do the 3/4 Sit-Up

Lie down on the floor and secure your feet. Your legs should be bent at the knees.
Place your hands behind or to the side of your head. You will begin with your back on the ground. This will be your starting position.
Flex your hips and spine to raise your torso toward your knees.
At the top of the contraction your torso should be perpendicular to the ground. Reverse the motion, going only ¾ of the way down.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Sets and reps

Strength	3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes
Muscle	3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes
Endurance or fat loss	2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds

Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

Alternatives to the 3/4 Sit-Up

Questions

What muscles does the 3/4 Sit-Up work?

Mainly the abs.

Is the 3/4 Sit-Up good for beginners?

Yes. It's rated a beginner exercise: start light and learn the movement before adding weight.

What can I do instead of the 3/4 Sit-Up?

Good alternatives that train the abs: Air Bike, Bent-Knee Hip Raise, Bottoms Up or Butt-Ups.

How many sets and reps of the 3/4 Sit-Up should I do?

Strength: 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes. Muscle: 3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes. Endurance or fat loss: 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds.

Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).