Waist Exercise · Barbell

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Barbell Press Sit-Up

Category

Waist

Equipment

Barbell

Target

Abs

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The barbell press sit-up holds a bar overhead throughout a sit-up, adding a shoulder stability demand on top of the usual ab and hip flexor work. It's considerably harder than a standard sit-up because the arms can't help generate momentum. Keep the bar directly overhead rather than letting it drift forward, which is where the exercise gets genuinely difficult to control.

How to Do the Barbell Press Sit-Up

1. Lie on your back on a mat, knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
2. Grip the barbell overhand and rest it on your chest.
3. Brace your abs and curl your upper body slowly off the floor until your torso reaches about a 45-degree angle.
4. Hold briefly at the top, then lower back down under control to the starting position.
5. Repeat for your target rep goal, keeping your core engaged and avoiding any reliance on momentum.

Muscles Worked

The Barbell Press Sit-Up primarily targets the Abs, with Shoulders as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Chest.

More Waist Exercises

3/4 Sit-Up Body Weight · Abs 45° Side Bend Body Weight · Abs Air Bike Body Weight · Abs Alternate Heel Touchers Body Weight · Abs Arm Slingers Hanging Bent Knee Legs Body Weight · Abs Arm Slingers Hanging Straight Legs Body Weight · Abs

More Abs Exercises

Arms Overhead Full Sit-Up (male) Body Weight · Abs Assisted Hanging Knee Raise Assisted · Abs Assisted Hanging Knee Raise With Throw Down Assisted · Abs Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Lateral Throw Down Assisted · Abs Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down Assisted · Abs Assisted Motion Russian Twist Medicine Ball · Abs

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have barbell? These target the same abs with different equipment.

3/4 Sit-Up Body Weight · Abs Assisted Hanging Knee Raise Assisted · Abs Assisted Motion Russian Twist Medicine Ball · Abs Band Alternating V-Up Band · Abs

FAQ

What muscles does the Barbell Press Sit-Up work?

The Barbell Press Sit-Up primarily targets the abs, with the shoulders and chest assisting.

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

The Barbell Press Sit-Up is done with a barbell.

What's a good alternative to the Barbell Press Sit-Up?

If you don't have access to a barbell, the 3/4 Sit-Up targets the same abs using body weight instead.