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Last updated March 2, 2026
Abs
Sit Up (Weighted)
Hold a dumbbell against your chest. Perform a full sit-up, bringing your elbows towards your knees. The added weight makes your abs work much harder.
Quick facts
- Level
- Intermediate
- 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
Dumbbell
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
- Lie down on your back on a mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Hold a dumbbell with both hands, positioning it above your chest.
- Step 2Position Your Feet
- Ensure your feet are hip-width apart and securely planted on the floor.
- You can also place your feet under a stable object for added support if needed.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your spine.
- Keep your lower back pressed into the mat throughout the movement.
- Step 4Lift Your Upper Body
- Exhale as you lift your upper body off the mat by curling your torso towards your knees.
- Keep the dumbbell close to your chest as you lift.
- Step 5Pause at the Top
- Hold the position at the top for a moment, ensuring your core is engaged.
- Avoid pulling on your neck; focus on using your abdominal muscles.
- Step 6Lower Your Body
- Inhale as you slowly lower your upper body back to the mat.
- Control the descent to maintain tension in your core.
- Step 7Repeat
- Repeat the sit-up for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully place the dumbbell down on the mat.
- Take a moment to stretch your abs and relax before moving on to your next exercise.
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