Which muscles does the sit up work?

The sit up mainly works your abs. It also involves your hip flexors.

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 sit up 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.

Sit Up: how to do it and muscles worked

The sit up mainly works your abs, with help from your hip flexors. You need bodyweight (no equipment).

Muscles worked

Main

Helping

Hip flexors

How to do the sit up

1
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, arms crossed on your chest or hands lightly by your ears.
2
Curl your upper body all the way up until your chest moves toward your thighs, keeping your feet planted.
3
Lower slowly back down under control rather than dropping. Breathe out as you sit up and in as you lower.

Form tip: Do not yank on your neck with your hands; use your abs to rise instead of throwing your arms forward.

Common questions

Which muscles does the sit up work?: The sit up mainly works your abs. It also involves your hip flexors.
What equipment do I need for the sit up?: 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 sit up 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.