Decline Sit-Up (Arms Straight)
A sit-up on a decline bench with both arms held out straight in front; with the hands forward the lever is shorter than with them at the head.
How to do it
Setup
Feet hooked under the rollers of a decline bench, lying back, arms straight and pointing at the knees.
Steps
- Curl up from the head down the spine, arms reaching forward.
- Sit up until the chest is over the thighs, the hands past the knees.
- Lower down the slope under control until the shoulder blades touch the pad.
Common mistakes
Swinging the arms up to launch the rep: they stay pointed at the knees and travel with the torso. Arching off the pad at the bottom: stop when the shoulder blades touch. Bench set too steep for clean reps: lower the angle before adding reps.
Breathing
Exhale sitting up, inhale rolling down.
