Exercise description of situps.  Learn about how to do situps with videos, pictures, and other information.  Also, get the inside scoop on how adding situps to your workout can improve your sports performance.

Primary muscles worked: Rectus Abdominus

Synergist Muscles: Obliques, Iliopsoas

Mechanics: Compound

Equipment: Open Floor Space

How to perform the exercise: To perform situps, the athlete should lay with their back flat on a mat or floor. The knees should be bent with heels flat on the floor about 3 to 4 inches away from the rest of the body. The athlete will then fold their arms across their chest. Next, the athlete will lift their shoulder blades up off of the mat and will continue to lift their body in an arc like path until their elbows touch their knees. Once the athlete has done this, they may return to the starting position.

Spotting the exercise: The spotter should make sure the athlete does not excessively strain with their neck. The spotter should advise the athlete to keep their chin tucked during the exercise. Also, if the athlete begins to struggle, the spotter may push up on the athlete's back to help them complete the rep.

Sport specific application: The situp is a highly utilized exercise that is often utilized in sports training; however, most individuals utilize too much of their hip flexor muscles by anchoring their feet. Anchoring may be done; however, the athlete should not pull up from the feet. . The situp is excellent for strengthening the muscles responsible for force transference relating to overhead throwing motions. This exercise can also be utilized by athletes who bend at the waist at anytime during their sport.