How to Work Out Abs with V Ups

V-ups are an interesting twist on the traditional crunch that incorporate both the upper and lower body. V-ups are a good comprehensive exercise to use when you do not have time to isolate the upper and lower abdominal muscles to target them individually. They are also a good intermediate exercise to use once you no longer feel that traditional crunches and sit-ups are working your abs enough.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Exercise mat

1. Lie flat on your back on the exercise mat. Your feet should be pointing straight up and you should be looking at the ceiling. Your arms should be extended over your head as if you were preparing to dive into a pool.
2. Raise your legs and upper body simultaneously, while inhaling deeply. Keep both halves of your body as straight as possible. Use your abdominal muscles to pull your body together. You will form a "V" shape with your body. It is not necessary to touch your toes with your hands unless you can do so without bending your arms.
3. Pause for a count of three, once your arms and legs are as close together as possible. Tense your abs to keep your body in position and count to three. This extra tension will help give your ab workout an extra boost. It will also help make you more aware of the way that your muscles interact with the rest of your body.
4. Exhale as you lower your upper body and legs back to the ground. Do not allow your legs or upper body to fully relax and lie on the ground. Use your abs to gently lower your body back into your original position and then move on. This will keep you from using your body's momentum or bounce to make the exercise easier.
5. Repeat the V-up exercise as many times as you wish. If you are just starting out with this exercise, then you may want to start with three sets of 20 repetitions to get your body accustomed to the movements. Once you have mastered the technique, then move on to sets of 50, 100 or even more repetitions. Remember, it is better to do fewer repetitions flawlessly than it is to do many repetitions incorrectly.

Tips & Warnings

• Do this exercise slowly and steadily in order to get the most out of your movements. Fast, jerky motions will not benefit your muscles.
• Pay attention to your breathing. As you raise your arms and legs, inhale deeply. Then, when you are lowering them back to the ground, exhale. This will help you keep your breathing regular and enable you to do more repetitions with greater ease.
• Don't push it. Should you feel pain in your back or neck, stop exercising and consult a physician immediately.