Exercise

Dead Bug

Also known as: dead bugs, supine alternating leg

Dead Bug — position 1Dead Bug — position 2

Dead Bug is a compound exercise for the abdominals. Main target: lower abs. Also works: upper abs and obliques. No equipment needed — just your bodyweight.

EquipmentBodyweight
TypeCompound (multi-joint)
MovementPull
CategoryStrength

Muscles worked

How to do it

  1. Begin lying on your back with your hands extended above you toward the ceiling.
  2. Bring your feet, knees, and hips up to 90 degrees.
  3. Exhale hard to bring your ribcage down and flatten your back onto the floor, rotating your pelvis up and squeezing your glutes. Hold this position throughout the movement. This will be your starting position.
  4. Initiate the exercise by extending one leg, straightening the knee and hip to bring the leg just above the ground.
  5. Maintain the position of your lumbar and pelvis as you perform the movement, as your back is going to want to arch.
  6. Stay tight and return the working leg to the starting position.
  7. Repeat on the opposite side, alternating until the set is complete.

Common mistakes

  • The lower back lifting off the floor as the leg extends.

Tips

  • Exhale as you extend and keep your lower back pressed to the floor throughout.

Used in these programs

3-Day Full Body Workout for Beginners

The whole body in every session, three times a week, three different days. Simple free-weight and machine exercises.

Beginner · 3 times a week · Gym
Beginner Home Ab Workout

15 minutes on a mat: crunches, reverse crunches, planks and dead bugs — the whole core and obliques with no equipment.

Beginner · 3 times a week · Home
20-Minute Beginner Home Workout

A gentle start: six simple bodyweight moves, 20 minutes, three times a week. Incline push-ups, squats, bridges and planks.

Beginner · 3 times a week · Home

Similar exercises

Hanging Leg Raise
Bodyweight
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Jackknife Sit-Up
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Bent-Knee Hip Raise
Bodyweight
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Bottoms Up
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Butt-Ups
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Cocoons
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Alternatives with other equipment

Exercise Ball Pull-In
Exercise ball
Lower abs
Cable Reverse Crunch
Cable
Lower abs
Knee/Hip Raise On Parallel Bars
Other
Lower abs
Smith Machine Hip Raise
Smith machine
Lower abs
Advanced Kettlebell Windmill
Kettlebell
Obliques
Barbell Ab Rollout
Barbell
Upper abs
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