Butt-Ups

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 Butt-Ups

Begin a pushup position but with your elbows on the ground and resting on your forearms. Your arms should be bent at a 90 degree angle.
Arch your back slightly out rather than keeping your back completely straight.
Raise your glutes toward the ceiling, squeezing your abs tightly to close the distance between your ribcage and hips. The end result will be that you'll end up in a high bridge position. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
Lower back down slowly to your starting position as you breathe in. Tip: Don't let your back sag downwards.
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 Butt-Ups

Questions

What muscles does the Butt-Ups work?

Mainly the abs.

Is the Butt-Ups 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 Butt-Ups?

Good alternatives that train the abs: 3/4 Sit-Up, Air Bike, Bent-Knee Hip Raise or Bottoms Up.

How many sets and reps of the Butt-Ups 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).