V-Up
Folding the body into a V shape from a lying position — a dynamic core exercise that hits the abs top to bottom.
Also called: v-ups
Illustrations: Exercise data by RepDB (repdb.co)
Setup
Lie flat on your back with arms extended overhead and legs straight.
How to do the V-Up
- Simultaneously raise your legs and torso, reaching your hands toward your feet.
- Touch or reach toward your toes at the top of the V.
- Lower back down with control until shoulders and legs are just off the floor.
- Keep the movement smooth rather than using a jerking motion.
V-Up muscles worked
The V-Up works the abs and hip flexors.
Common V-Up mistakes
- Using momentum instead of controlled core engagement.
- Letting the legs bend significantly to make it easier.
- Slamming back down to the floor between reps.
Scale it
Easier: Bend the knees, or alternate reaching one hand to the opposite foot.
Harder: Hold a light weight, or slow the tempo on both halves of the rep.
Pairs well with
Hollow Hold
The gymnast’s banana-shaped hold — total anterior-core tension that transfers to a stable, tall running posture.
Lying Leg Raise
Raising straight legs from a lying position — a core exercise that emphasizes the lower abs.
Bicycle Crunch
Alternating elbow-to-opposite-knee crunches with a cycling leg action — abs and obliques with a coordination element.
Crunch
The classic short-range ab curl — simple direct ab work when programmed alongside the stability movements.