Sit-Up

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

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

How to do the Sit-Up

Lie down on the floor placing your feet either under something that will not move or by having a partner hold them. Your legs should be bent at the knees.
Place your hands behind your head and lock them together by clasping your fingers. This is the starting position.
Elevate your upper body so that it creates an imaginary V-shape with your thighs. Breathe out when performing this part of the exercise.
Once you feel the contraction for a second, lower your upper body back down to the starting position while inhaling.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Sets and reps

Muscle	3–4 sets of 10–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds
Pump or finisher	2–3 sets of 15–20 reps, rest 45–60 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 Sit-Up

Questions

What muscles does the Sit-Up work?

Mainly the abs.

Is the 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 Sit-Up?

Good alternatives that train the abs: Alternate Heel Touchers, Crunch - Hands Overhead, Crunch - Legs On Exercise Ball or Crunches.

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

Muscle: 3–4 sets of 10–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds. Pump or finisher: 2–3 sets of 15–20 reps, rest 45–60 seconds.

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