Body Saw: how to do it and muscles worked
The body saw mainly works your abs, with help from your shoulders. You need bodyweight (no equipment).
Muscles worked
How to do the body saw
- 1
Start in a forearm plank with your feet on a towel or sliders on a smooth floor, and your body straight from head to heels.
- 2
Push your body backward with your toes by shifting your shoulders back, then glide forward until your shoulders pass slightly beyond your elbows.
- 3
Move in small, slow, controlled motions, bracing your abs the entire time. Breathe out as you slide forward and in as you return.
Form tip: Do not let your lower back sag; shorten the range if you feel it in your back instead of your abs.
Common questions
- Which muscles does the body saw work?
- The body saw mainly works your abs. It also involves your shoulders.
- What equipment do I need for the body saw?
- You need bodyweight (no equipment).
- How many sets and reps should I do?
- A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
- How do I track the body saw in SweatByte?
- Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.
More abs exercises
General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.