Straight Leg Sit-up
Description
The straight-leg sit-up performs a sit-up with legs fully extended on the floor rather than bent. The straight legs increase hip flexor involvement and make the sit-up harder by lengthening the lever arm.
Muscle Group
Equipment Required
Straight Leg Sit-up Instructions
- Lie on your back with legs fully extended, feet on the floor. Arms across chest or behind head.
- Anchor your feet under something heavy or have a partner hold them.
- Sit up fully by flexing your spine and hips.
- The straight legs make this harder than bent-knee sit-ups.
- Lower under control.
- If you cannot sit up with straight legs, bend them slightly.
- Aim for 10 to 15 reps.
- This involves more hip flexor than bent-knee versions.
Straight Leg Sit-up Form & Visual
Straight Leg Sit-up Benefits
- Increased difficulty from straight legs
- Builds hip flexor and ab strength together
- No equipment needed
- Challenging sit-up variation
- Greater range of motion
- Tests core and hip flexor strength
Straight Leg Sit-up Muscles Worked
- Rectus abdominis
- Hip flexors (increased)
- Obliques (secondary)
Straight Leg Sit-up Variations & Alternatives
- Standard Sit-Up (bent knee)
- V-Up
- 3/4 Sit-Up
- Roman Chair Sit-Up
- Weighted Straight-Leg Sit-Up
