Core·Bodyweight·Compound

Jackknife Sit-Up

Core · Bodyweight

Beginner

Body Part

Core

Equipment

Bodyweight

Level

Beginner

Type

Compound

Force

Pull

The Jackknife Sit-Up is a beginner bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the Core.

Muscles Worked

Core primary

How to Do the Jackknife Sit-Up

  1. 1Lie flat on the floor (or exercise mat) on your back with your arms extended straight back behind your head and your legs extended also. This will be your starting position.
  2. 2As you exhale, bend at the waist while simultaneously raising your legs and arms to meet in a jackknife position. Tip: The legs should be extended and lifted at approximately a 35-45 degree angle from the floor and the arms should be extended and parallel to your legs. The upper torso should be off the floor.
  3. 3While inhaling, lower your arms and legs back to the starting position.
  4. 4Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Related Exercises

Exercise data from the open-source Free Exercise DB.