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Assisted Sit-up

The assisted sit-up is a core exercise that targets the abdominal muscles with support, making it easier to perform than a standard sit-up. Assistance can come from a bench, partner, or anchored feet, reducing the strength and coordination required.

Quick Facts

Body PartsWaist
Target MusclesAbs
Secondary MusclesHip Flexors
EquipmentAssisted
DifficultyBeginner
Exercise TypeStrength
BilateralYes

How to Do Assisted Sit-up

Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Assisted Sit-up with proper form and technique.

  1. Sit on the edge of a bench or have someone hold your feet down.
  2. Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
  3. Place your hands behind your head with your elbows pointing outwards.
  4. Engaging your abs, slowly lift your upper body off the ground, curling forward until your torso is at a 45-degree angle.
  5. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your upper body back down to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

Understanding which muscles Assisted Sit-up targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.

Target Muscles

These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.

Abs

Secondary Muscles

These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.

Hip Flexors

Benefits of Assisted Sit-up

Incorporating Assisted Sit-up into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.

  • Abs Development: Assisted Sit-up directly targets and strengthens the Abs, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
  • Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Hip Flexors, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
  • Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Assisted Sit-up build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.
  • Beginner-Friendly: This exercise is accessible to those new to fitness, with a movement pattern that's relatively easy to learn with proper instruction.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Performing Assisted Sit-up safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.

  • Warm Up Properly: Before performing Assisted Sit-up, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Abs and surrounding muscles.
  • Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
  • Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
  • Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
  • Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
  • Allow Adequate Recovery: The Abs typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.

Tracking Your Progress

To make consistent gains with Assisted Sit-up, track these metrics during your workouts:

Sets

Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.

Reps

Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.

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