Basic Sit Up

The Sit-Up is probably the most often performed abdominal exercise. It is appropriate for all levels to help develop their abs.

The simple key to improve abdominal strength is the speed that you perform the movement.





If you work to fast than your not working your abdominal muscles, your simple increasing the risk of injury to your lower back - work slow and they will grow!

To perform Sit-Ups:

• Start on your back, feet on the floor, knees bent.
  
  
• Place your fingers to the side of your head, elbows out to the side. Your hands will thus support the weight of your head, not pull you up.
  
  
• Look straight ahead, keeping your chin up off your chest. This will help to keep your neck in a relaxed, neutral position.
  
  
• Inhale, and slowly lift your shoulders, neck and head. Your elbows should stay out to the side, your neck relaxed. Your lower back should stay in contact with the floor throughout the movement.
  
  
• With your abs contracted, lift until you are about 30 degrees off the floor, hold for a second, then exhale and slowly return to the starting position.
  
  
• Pause once more, then repeat. The key to this exercise is smooth, slow movements, feeling the contraction in your abs the whole time.