How to Do a Full Sit-Up

A full sit-up is completed as a crunch, but the body is brought up to a completely vertical position before returning to the mat. The sit-up will work the abdominals much like the crunch, but will also work other parts of the body such as the legs and back.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Exercise mat

1. Lie on your back on an exercise mat with your arms bent and hands behind the head with the fingertips just barely touching.
2. Bring your knees up and place your feet flat against the mat. Your legs should be shoulder width apart for this exercise.
3. Hold you neck in line with your spine, making sure that you are not straining or bending your neck in anyway. It may help to imagine that you are holding an orange underneath your chin which is preventing you from bending your neck.
4. Take a deep breath in as you lie in the resting position.
5. Keep your feet flat on the mat and hold them there during the entire time you are completing this exercise.
6. Use your abdominal muscles to bring your body up into a full sitting position. Your head and arms should be very close to your knees while in this position. As you bring yourself up, exhale your breath.
7. Lower yourself back down to lay with your back flat on the mat. Repeat these sit-ups until you have completed as many repetitions as necessary for your exercise level.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.