In CrossFit, as in many other disciplines, there are many exercises that work your core and give you abs of steel. Among the best known and best performing are sit-ups, also known as CrossFit crunches. Sit-ups are one of the most effective exercises to work your abs and get the desired six pack.

However, the best way to achieve your goal is to combine this exercise with other moves, such as the ones you will find in this article: Abs in CrossFit: What exercises and routines are there? Here we explain what sit-ups are, how to perform them correctly, and what variations there are.

What are sit-ups?

Although sit-ups may at first appear easy to perform, this is in fact a very demanding exercise that requires some fitness so as not to tire quickly. The reason? You need to do many reps in a very short time. In addition, while it is not a very complex exercise and only takes four simple steps that we will explain later, you must be very careful and keep a good technique to avoid unpleasant back injuries.

However, one of the great advantages is that, to perform it, you only need a mat, so you will not have to buy a lot of equipment. And remember: if you want to get a strong abdomen, you can ask your coach how to perform this exercise correctly, as they will give you the necessary directions.

How to do a sit-up

Want a strong and toned abdomen? Follow the directions below to do sit-ups step by step: Steps to follow:

First, get into the starting position. To do this, lie on your back and bend your knees so that the soles of your feet are against each other.

Next, for those who are beginners, stretch your arms forward along your body. If you already have some experience, you can bring your arms back.

Rest your head on the floor and gather momentum to lift your torso and do a push-up, which will be completed when your hands touch your feet.

Return to the starting position and repeat.

To perform this exercise you must place the AbMat, or another type of pad, to maintain the natural curvature of your back. Remember to take all the necessary precautions when performing sit-ups, if you don't want a back injury to ruin your workouts. In the following video you can see how to do sit-ups step by step:

What muscles are we working?

This is the list of muscle groups that work in the human body when doing sit-ups:

Rectus abdominis.

Oblique abdominal muscles.
Psoas-iliac muscle.
Tensor fasciae latae.

Sit-ups offer the following advantages, in addition to strengthening your core:

Well-executed sit-ups help reduce the risk of suffering back pain or injuries.

By strengthening the abdominal area, you will improve your posture and walk more upright.
Sit-ups improve your breathing, since you will strengthen the diaphragm.

The V-up

If you’ve already reached a certain level, and sit-ups are not enough for you, you can increase the demand with V sit-ups or V-ups. V-ups not only work your abdomen, but also improve coordination, balance, and strength. To do them, follow the instructions below:

Get into starting position, with arms and legs extended.

Then simultaneously raise your arms and feet and bring them towards your chest until they are at a 45° angle.

Extend your arms and bring them forward until they touch your feet.

Stay in this position for at least five seconds, or until you begin to notice that your body loses posture.

Return to the starting position but don’t let your feet touch the floor. Rest for a second and repeat.

You can see how to perform this exercise correctly in the following video:

If your goal is to get an abdomen stronger than steel, sit ups are the best exercise. But remember: always follow all recommendations to avoid injuries. You can combine sit-ups with other exercises and include them in your routines, such as the ones we suggest in this other article. Your fitness will be rewarded! And don’t hesitate to visit our online store, where you will find the best protection for your workouts, such as wrist guards and shin guards.