How to Do the V Sit Ab Exercise
The V sit is a bodyweight exercise that asks your middle to keep your torso and legs lifted at the same time. It needs no equipment, but careful positioning matters more than holding it for longer.
What a V sit involves
Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet down, then lean your torso back while keeping your chest open. Lift your feet so that your thighs and upper body form a V shape when viewed from the side.
Your abdominal muscles work to keep this balanced position while your hip muscles help support the legs. You can hold the shape or move between the seated starting position and the V sit with control.
Setting up the movement
Use a mat on a level surface and begin with a tall spine. Brace your middle gently, lean back without collapsing through the chest, and raise one foot followed by the other.
Keep your knees bent if straight legs make your back round or your balance become unsteady. Your hands can stay lightly behind your thighs, reach forwards or rest beside you for support, depending on what feels manageable.
Keeping the exercise controlled
Breathe steadily rather than holding your breath, and keep your shoulders relaxed away from your ears. Aim for a stable torso instead of rocking to create momentum.
Stop the set when you can no longer maintain the position comfortably or your form starts to change. How long you hold the V sit and how many repetitions you perform depends on your current ability, balance and wider exercise programme.
Progressing and tracking it
To make the exercise easier, keep your toes near the floor, hold the backs of your thighs or work with a smaller lean. To increase the challenge, use less hand support or gradually straighten your legs while keeping the same controlled posture.
Record the version, hold length or repetitions in your activity log so you can compare like with like over time. Exercise energy estimates can vary widely between individuals and devices, so treat any calorie figure as an estimate rather than automatically adjusting your food target around it.