Tuck-Up
Also known as: Lying Tuck-Up, Bent-Knee V-Up
CoreBalance
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Description
Tuck-ups bring the torso and knees together to train the abdominals. Lie with your legs straight and arms overhead, then lift your torso and bend both knees into a seated tuck balanced on your glutes. Reach your hands toward your shins, then lower smoothly and extend your arms and legs again.
How to Perform
- Lie on your back with your legs straight and your arms extended overhead.
- Brace your abdomen and keep your ribs drawn toward your pelvis.
- Lift your torso while bending both knees toward your chest.
- Reach both hands toward your shins and balance on your glutes in a compact seated position.
- Lower your torso smoothly while extending your legs and returning your arms overhead.
- Repeat without using a kick or swinging your arms to start the lift.
What Muscles Work
Primary Muscle:
Secondary Muscles:
Tips
- Keep both legs together so they act as one balanced lever.
- Hold the seated tuck briefly to check your balance before lowering.
- Keep your neck relaxed and your chin slightly tucked. Look toward your knees rather than pulling your head forward with your hands.
- Exhale as you lift and inhale as you return.
- Keep your arms closer to your torso to make the exercise easier.
Common Mistakes
- Using momentum from the arms or upper body.
- Letting the lower back arch off the floor at the bottom.
- Failing to bring the knees toward the chest during the tuck.
- Keeping the arms overhead at the top instead of reaching toward the shins.
- Dropping the upper body and feet quickly.
- Slamming the feet to the floor between repetitions.
Recommended Exercises
Explore exercises related to Tuck-Up for abs training and similar movement patterns.
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