Arms-Up Full Sit-Up
UpdatedChallenge your core with the Arms-Up Full Sit-Up! A tough variation for serious ab development & upper body engagement.
The Arms-Up Full Sit-Up is a compound exercise that mainly works the core, with help from the chest. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Arms-Up Full Sit-Up Muscles Worked
Primary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Obliques
Secondary
Deep Core (transverse abdominis); Upper Chest (pectoralis major, clavicular head)
Arms-Up Full Sit-Up Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Arms-Up Full Sit-Up
Arms Overhead Full Sit-Up
Starting Position:
Lie flat on your back on the mat.
Extend your legs straight out and keep your feet together.
Raise your arms straight over your head, keeping them close to your ears.
**Movement 1. Engage your core by tightening your abdominal muscles.
Slowly lift your torso off the ground by curling up, using your abdominal muscles. Keep your arms extended overhead as you rise.
Continue to lift until you are sitting upright with your back straight and your arms reaching toward the ceiling.
Pause briefly at the top of the movement to emphasize the contraction in your core.
Slowly lower your torso back down to the starting position while controlled, ensuring that you do not let your back sag.
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Tips:
Keep your movements slow and controlled to maximize the effectiveness of the exercise and avoid injury.
If you're struggling to sit all the way up, you can modify the movement by bending your knees or lowering your arms.
Focus on your breathing: exhale as you lift up and inhale as you lower back down.
Arms-Up Full Sit-Up FAQs
What muscles does the Arms-Up Full Sit-Up work?
The Arms-Up Full Sit-Up mainly works the core, with help from the chest. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and obliques.
What equipment do you need for the Arms-Up Full Sit-Up?
None. The Arms-Up Full Sit-Up is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
Is the Arms-Up Full Sit-Up a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What are some Arms-Up Full Sit-Up variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Three-Quarter Sit-Up, Ab Mat Sit-Up, Assisted Sit-Up and Atomic Sit-Up.
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