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Exercise guide

Side Jackknife

How to do the Side Jackknife with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

CompoundBody OnlyBeginnerPull
Primary muscles

Abs

Secondary

,

Equipment

Body Only

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Side Jackknife set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your abs volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Train with a goal

Where the Side Jackknife fits

The Side Jackknife shows up in training built around a specific goal. See how it fits:

Related

More abs exercises

FAQ

Side Jackknife: common questions

What muscles does the Side Jackknife work?

The Side Jackknife primarily works the Abs.

Is the Side Jackknife suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Side Jackknife is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.

What equipment do I need for the Side Jackknife?

None. The Side Jackknife is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it without any equipment.

Is the Side Jackknife a compound or isolation exercise?

The Side Jackknife is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.

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