V-Up

Trunk flexion, bodyweight, abdominals and hip flexors

The V up lifts the straight legs and the upper body at the same time to meet in a V. It trains the abdominals and hip flexors hard. It suits people who can do crunches and leg raises well and want a harder floor move.

V-Up exercise illustration: a man lying flat with his arms overhead, then lifting his legs and upper body into a V

Setting up

Lie on the back on a mat with the legs straight and together.
Stretch the arms overhead on the floor.

How to do a v-up

Brace the belly.
Lift the arms, chest and straight legs at the same time.
Reach the hands toward the feet at the top.
Lower back down slowly.
Start the next rep before resting fully.

Breathing. Breathe out as you lift and breathe in as you lower.

Muscles worked

Mainly: Abdominals and hip flexors
Also: Obliques

Common mistakes

Swinging up with momentum. Momentum skips the trunk, so lift smoothly.
Bending the knees a lot. Bent knees make it easier, so keep them straight or bend them a little on purpose.
Dropping back to the floor. The way down is half the work, so lower slowly.

Easier and harder

Easier: Crunch, Leg Raise
Harder: Medicine Ball V-Up, Dumbbell Weighted V-Up

The same movement, other equipment

Medicine Ball V-UpMedicine ball