Exercise

Jackknife Sit-Up

Also known as: jackknife situp, v up, v sit, pike situp

Jackknife Sit-Up — position 1Jackknife Sit-Up — position 2

Jackknife Sit-Up is a compound exercise for the abdominals. Main target: lower abs. No equipment needed — just your bodyweight.

EquipmentBodyweight
TypeCompound (multi-joint)
MovementPull
CategoryStrength

Muscles worked

Muscles worked in the Jackknife Sit-Up: primary in bright, secondary in light
Primary

How to do it

  1. Lie flat on the floor (or exercise mat) on your back with your arms extended straight back behind your head and your legs extended also. This will be your starting position.
  2. As you exhale, bend at the waist while simultaneously raising your legs and arms to meet in a jackknife position. Tip: The legs should be extended and lifted at approximately a 35-45 degree angle from the floor and the arms should be extended and parallel to your legs. The upper torso should be off the floor.
  3. While inhaling, lower your arms and legs back to the starting position.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Used in these programs

Advanced Home Abs Circuit

A tough no-equipment ab circuit: jackknife sit-ups, mountain climbers, scissor kicks, oblique crunches and shoulder-tap planks, 3–4 rounds.

Intermediate · 3 times a week · Home

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Alternatives with other equipment

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