How to Do Reverse Sit-Ups

Flattening your stomach requires a full-body approach to lower your body fat. Aside from a healthy diet, cardiovascular exercise and strength training, you have to perform a variety of ab exercises. Reverse sit-ups, also known as reverse crunches, are the opposites of traditional sit-ups usually done by beginners. Instead of your upper body, only your lower body moves. The exercise focuses mainly on the lower abdominal muscles and oblique muscles and is therefore ideal for toning and tightening your stomach using only your bodyweight and no equipment.

What is the proper reverse sit up form?

1. In order to get in to proper form, lie on the floor, on your back. Spread your arms out to the sides of your body and straighten your legs out. Your body should resemble a "T" shape.
2. Raise your legs off the floor. Bend you knees at a 90-degree angle and pull them into your chest while holding your upper body still. Your hips will slightly lift off the floor as your knees get close to your chest.
3. At the top of the movement, hold the position and focus on feeling it in your upper abs. Then, extend your straight legs back down to the starting position. Keep your legs straight and hovering above the floor. Avoid touching the floor. Repeat the exercise to complete as many repetitions and sets as your fitness level allows.

Tips

For an extra challenge, perform a reverse sit-up and lift your legs toward the ceiling after bringing the knees into your chest. Raise your hips off the floor completely. Lower back down to your starting position.

Another extra challenge is holding a dumbbell to add extra resistance to the workout. It will help to strengthen the core muscle groups in your lower abs. Be sure to lower your reps to avoid injury and perfect your six-pack.

Warnings

Consult your doctor or personal trainer before engaging in an ab workout routine or before doing core exercises as back pain and serious injury could occur