Press Sit-Up

An advanced strength exercise for the abs, chest, shoulders and triceps, done with a barbell and a bench or box.

Movement guide

Press Sit-Up

Demand · source-assignedHard (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredA barbell + A bench or box

Muscle focusAbs · Chest · Shoulders · Triceps

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

Cable press and rotation demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoCable press and rotationIntermediate · A cable machine

Similar move, intermediate grade.

This move

Press Sit-Up demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoPress Sit-UpAdvanced · A barbell + A bench or box

Advanced grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

3D demoV-sitExpert · No equipment

Similar move, expert grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

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.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

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Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Abs. Also: Chest, Shoulders, Triceps.

Equipment

A barbell + A bench or box

Level

Advanced (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Pallof press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoPallof pressIntermediate · A cable machine

Bent PressAdvanced · A kettlebell

Half-kneeling Pallof press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoHalf-kneeling Pallof pressBeginner · A band + An anchor point

Jackknife sit-up (V-up) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoJackknife sit-up (V-up)Advanced · No equipment

Janda sit-up demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoJanda sit-upIntermediate · No equipment

Sit-up (3/4 sit-up) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSit-up (3/4 sit-up)Intermediate · No equipment

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Press Sit-Up work?

Mainly the abs, with help from the chest, shoulders and triceps.

What equipment do I need for the Press Sit-Up?

A barbell + A bench or box.

Is the Press Sit-Up good for beginners?

It is an advanced move. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. Build up to it with the Cable press and rotation first.

What is an easier alternative to the Press Sit-Up?

Try the Cable press and rotation. It works similar muscles at a lower grade.

How do I make the Press Sit-Up harder?

Progress to the V-sit, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.