V-Up
A full-range core exercise that folds the body into a V shape, working the upper and lower abs together in one movement.
Equipment: bodyweight
How to do it
- 1Lie flat on your back with your arms extended overhead and legs straight.
- 2Simultaneously lift your legs and upper body, reaching your hands toward your feet to form a V shape.
- 3Touch your hands to your shins or ankles if your flexibility and strength allow.
- 4Lower back down under control to the starting position.
Common mistakes
- Using momentum to jerk the upper body up instead of a controlled contraction through the abs.
- Letting the knees bend significantly to make the movement easier, which reduces the core demand.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 2-3 | 8-12 | 60-90 sec |
| Build muscle | 2-3 | 10-15 | 45-60 sec |
| General fitness | 2-3 | 12-15 | 45-60 sec |
Ranges reflect the same goal-based logic used by the workout plan tool. Actual set count in a generated plan also depends on how often this muscle group appears elsewhere in your week.
Frequently asked questions
Is the V-Up safe for beginners?
The V-Up is tagged intermediate, meaning it generally works best once you already have some core training experience. If you're new to training, building a base with the Plank first is a reasonable place to start.
See the PlankWhat muscles does the V-Up work?
The primary mover is your core. As a core movement, it also involves your hip flexors and lower-back stabilizers.
How do I make the V-Up harder as I get stronger?
Since this is a bodyweight movement, progress by adding reps or sets before anything else, slowing the tempo down (especially the lowering portion), or shortening rest between sets. Once bodyweight reps stop feeling challenging, that's usually the sign to add external load or move to a more advanced variation.
Related exercises
Learn more
Want a full plan built around exercises like this one? Try the workout plan tool.