How to Do Press Sit-Up
Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the press sit-up.

| Main muscles | Abs |
| Also works | Chest, Shoulders, Triceps |
| Equipment | Barbell |
| Level | Expert |
| Type | Strength |
How to do it
- To begin, lie down on a bench with a barbell resting on your chest. Position your legs so they are secure on the extension of the abdominal bench. This is the starting position.
- While inhaling, tighten your abdominals and glutes. Simultaneously curl your torso as you do when performing a sit-up and press the barbell to an overhead position while exhaling. Tip: Use your arms to push the barbell out as you perform this exercise while still focusing on the abdominal muscles.
- Lower your upper body back down to the starting position while bringing the barbell back down to your torso. Remember to breathe in while lowering the body.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Form tips
- Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
- Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
- Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
- Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).
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Gear for this exercise
Barbell and plates setA proper home strength setup for squats and presses.See it on Amazon →
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