The best way to do a sit up, is to do it the right way!
If you guessed today’s workout and guesses Sit ups, then you are correct (I know it was obvious) lol. but honestly, I chose this exercise because for 3 reasons
1) it can be done at home or at the gym, on the go
2) it is simple (unless you have an injury that prohibits this movement)
3) SO MANY PEOPLE DON’T KNOW HOW TO DO THEM CORRECTLY, lol and that can cause injury and strain your neck.
Now, I have been taught to do sit ups two different ways, and I think I like one way more than the other but I see the concept of them both if executed correctly. Personally I will share a link down below of a video of one of the ways I have done them (if I can find the other, I will share that one as well)
Someone will say, “Why should I do sit ups, if I am doing compound movements then I am already working the core muscles” & while this is TRUE! and very important because a weak core means possible injury, not correct form or technique BUT doing isolated movements for that muscle will always be beneficial because it does help to strengthen that area. I am not promoting to do abs everyday, because if you are doing your workouts correctly, you should be utilizing those muscles anyways but it doesn’t hurt to do ab workouts 2-3 times a week if necessary, which I do with my clients & they enjoy it. Everyone will have a different outlook but I do what I find is necessary for myself and who I am training.
Something else to keep in mind, sit ups aren’t meant to lose fat in that area (not useful for weightloss) they are useful for strengthening the core. So many individuals believe that by doing these everyday they can lose weight in their abdominal area but that isn’t what this exercise is for. This particular exercise you won’t necessarily see the results unless you have already gotten your fat percentage low enough to where you can notice a difference in the performance of the exercise and muscles being worked. Some might argue they lost weight doing sit ups, but I will argue that there had to be other exercises performed that played a part in your weight loss as well because sit ups alone isn’t going to do it.
How to do Sit ups properly?
- lie down on the floor – either place feet under something or have your partner hold them down so that they don’t move about. Legs will be bent at the knees.
- place your hands behind your head – starting position
- Elevate the body until it creates a V-shape with your thighs (breathe out during this portion of the exercise)
- :lower the upperbody down while inhaling
- repeat for the recommended repetitions
Now this is one way to do it (hands behind the head): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDwoBqPH0jk
Now my workout video where I am doing sit ups in my previous post you will think that I am straining my neck, I am not, but I should have done a better job of looking forward when coming up to make sure I am not putting too much pressure on the neck. Always remember it is important to do the exercise correctly rather than hurting yourself. Be sure to speak with medical professionals before attempting this exercise. If you have any questions, let me know in the comment section!
Fitness WonderWoman
Shay-lon
I can only do sit-ups hours on a decline bench with a lot of weight. Too explosive for body weight :$
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Yes, the decline bench , I prefer myself 🙂 I have used weight plates and it does add some challenges to it!
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Great tips! I love doing a handful of sit-ups as a quick workout sprinkled throughout the day!
-LBK
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Hah I love how you said “sprinkled throughout the day” lol 🙂
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