← Back to library
Last updated February 8, 2026
Media unavailable
abs
Decline Sit-Up
Secure legs on a decline bench. Cross arms over chest. Sit up all the way. Avoid pulling on your head.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Medium
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
abs
Secondary
hip flexors
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
benchbody weight
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Lying
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Find a decline bench and adjust it to a comfortable angle.
- Lie down on the bench with your feet secured under the foot pads and your back against the bench.
- Step 2Position Your Hands
- Cross your arms over your chest or place your hands behind your head.
- Ensure your elbows are wide and not pulling on your neck.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Before starting the movement, engage your core muscles to stabilize your body.
- Keep your back pressed against the bench throughout the exercise.
- Step 4Perform the Sit-Up
- Exhale as you curl your torso up towards your knees, using your abdominal muscles.
- Keep your feet and lower body anchored to the bench.
- Step 5Lower Your Body
- Inhale as you slowly lower your torso back down to the starting position.
- Maintain control and avoid letting your back arch excessively.
- Step 6Repeat
- Continue to perform the sit-ups for the desired number of repetitions.
- Focus on maintaining proper form with each repetition.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully sit up and remove your feet from the foot pads.
- Take a moment to stretch your abdominal muscles and relax.