Sit Up - Barbell Obliques

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 10-15 Reps, 20-25 Wght

Intermediate Abdominals Hip Flexors Strength Barbell Pull Gym

Purpose: Sit up exercises strengthen the upper abdominal muscles.

Benefits: Sit up exercises will give you a well-defined mid-section.

Lie on an exercise mat on the floor with your lower back pressed against the floor, with your knees slightly bent and your feet locked under something that will keep them from lifting from the floor (your workout partner could hold them). Position a barbell behind your neck. This is the starting position. Slowly raise your shoulders and upper back by contracting your abs until you are upright. As you lift your torso, twist your body to the right so that the left hand comes closer to the right knee. Exhale during this movement. Hold this position for 2-3 seconds. Slowly return to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Slowly raise your shoulders and upper back by contracting your abs until you are upright. As you lift your torso, twist your body to the left so that the right hand comes closer to the left knee. Exhale during this movement. Hold this position for 2-3 seconds. Slowly return to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.

The abs can be divided into the abdominals themselves and the obliques. The obliques are the outer abs and are used in twisting movements. For the sake of exercising, the abdominals are sometimes divided into upper abs and lower abs (this is not a technical division but something for exercising). Both upper and lower abs are used in straight line ab exercises while the upper abs are also involved in twisting movements.