Alternating Straight-Leg Sit-Up
Strengthen your core with alternating straight-leg sit-ups! Target your abs and improve stability with this challenging exercise.
The Alternating Straight-Leg Sit-Up is a compound exercise that mainly works the core, with help from the glutes & hips. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Optional Equipment
Alternating Straight-Leg Sit-Up Muscles Worked
Primary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Obliques
Secondary
Deep Core (transverse abdominis); Long Thigh (sartorius)
Alternating Straight-Leg Sit-Up Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Alternating Straight-Leg Sit-Up
Positioning:
Start by lying flat on your back on a comfortable surface, such as a mat.
Keep your legs straight and together, with your feet pointing upward.
Extend your arms straight above your head.
Movement:
Engage your core muscles by pulling your navel towards your spine.
Slowly lift your upper body off the ground by contracting your abdominal muscles, reaching your left hand towards your right foot.
Keep your legs straight and try to touch your right foot with your left hand.
Lower your upper body back down to the starting position.
Repeat the movement on the opposite side by raising your upper body and reaching your right hand towards your left foot.
Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
Tips:
Keep your movements controlled to avoid straining your back.
Breathe out as you lift your body and inhale as you lower it back down.
Focus on engaging your core rather than using momentum to raise your body.
Alternating Straight-Leg Sit-Up FAQs
What muscles does the Alternating Straight-Leg Sit-Up work?
The Alternating Straight-Leg Sit-Up mainly works the core, with help from the glutes & hips. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and obliques.
What equipment do you need for the Alternating Straight-Leg Sit-Up?
None. The Alternating Straight-Leg Sit-Up is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
Is the Alternating Straight-Leg 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 Alternating Straight-Leg Sit-Up variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Arms-Up Full Sit-Up, Assisted Sit-Up, Atomic Sit-Up and Fast Sit-Up Slow-Down.
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