Press Sit-Up
How to do the Press Sit-Up with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.
Abs
Chest, Shoulders, Triceps
Barbell
How to do the Press Sit-Up
- 1
To begin, lie down on a bench with a barbell resting on your chest. Position your legs so they are secure on the extension of the abdominal bench. This is the starting position.
- 2
While inhaling, tighten your abdominals and glutes. Simultaneously curl your torso as you do when performing a sit-up and press the barbell to an overhead position while exhaling. Tip: Use your arms to push the barbell out as you perform this exercise while still focusing on the abdominal muscles.
- 3
Lower your upper body back down to the starting position while bringing the barbell back down to your torso. Remember to breathe in while lowering the body.
- 4
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Log it, see it on your body.
Every Press Sit-Up set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your abs volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.
More abs exercises
Press Sit-Up: common questions
What muscles does the Press Sit-Up work?
The Press Sit-Up primarily works the Abs. It also recruits the Chest, Shoulders and Triceps as supporting muscles.
Is the Press Sit-Up suitable for beginners?
The Press Sit-Up is an expert-level exercise. It demands well-developed strength, mobility and technique, so it suits experienced lifters more than beginners.
What equipment do I need for the Press Sit-Up?
To do the Press Sit-Up you'll need a barbell.
Is the Press Sit-Up a compound or isolation exercise?
The Press Sit-Up is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.
How do I do the Press Sit-Up with correct form?
To begin, lie down on a bench with a barbell resting on your chest. Position your legs so they are secure on the extension of the abdominal bench. This is the starting position. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.
Log your Press Sit-Up sets, free.
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