V-Up

The V-Up is a bodyweight core exercise where you lie on your back and lift your upper body and legs at the same time to form a V shape. It mainly targets your abs, with help from your hip flexors and quads.

Lie flat on your back with your legs extended straight and your arms reaching overhead near your ears. Press your lower back gently into the floor and get tall from head to toe.

Brace your abs, then lift your shoulders and legs together. Reach your hands toward your feet while your legs rise, forming a V with your body. Lower yourself back down with control until your arms and legs are close to the floor, then repeat.

Exhale as you lift and reach; inhale as you lower. To make it easier, keep your heels on the floor and lift only your upper body, or bend your knees. To make it harder, keep your legs straight and pause briefly at the top of each rep.

Fault: Using momentum or swinging your arms to get up. Fix: Move slowly and lift from your abs, focusing on reaching your hands to your feet without jerking.

Fault: Letting your lower back arch or slamming into the floor on the way down. Fix: Keep your core engaged the whole time and lower with control.

Fault: Bending your knees too much or collapsing your shoulders forward. Fix: Keep your legs as straight as your flexibility allows and reach tall through your arms so you make a clear V shape.