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Single Leg-Arm V-Up 101 Video Tutorial

Home Modified Variation Core Exercise

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Single Leg-Arm V-Up
Single Leg-Arm V-Up

Exercise Synopsis

Target Muscle Group

Abs

Secondary Targets

Execution

Compound

Force Type

Pull

Required Equipment

Bodyweight

Fitness Level

Advanced

Variations

None

Alternatives

Timer

Hour

Minute

Second

Stopwatch

00:00:00:00

Overview

The Single-Leg-Arm V-Up is a dynamic bodyweight exercise designed to target the abdominal muscles with secondary engagement of the obliques. This exercise requires no additional equipment, making it accessible for individuals seeking an effective core workout. To perform the Single-Leg-Arm V-Up, lie on your back with arms extended overhead and legs straight. Simultaneously lift one leg and the opposite arm while reaching towards the toes, creating a V shape with the body. The movement engages the abs as they contract to lift the upper body and leg, with the obliques contributing to the twisting motion. This exercise promotes core strength, stability, and flexibility, making it a valuable addition to bodyweight training routines for those focusing on abdominal and oblique development.

How to Perform

  1. Begin by lying on your back on the floor, ensuring your legs are straight and your arms stretched above your head.

  2. Execution: Exhale as you lift your torso and one leg simultaneously, aiming to meet your hands to your toes while keeping both the arms and legs straight.

  3. Inhale as you gradually lower your torso and leg back to the starting position.

  4. Repeat the process, this time lifting the torso and the opposite leg.

  5. Continue alternating between legs, performing the exercise until you reach the desired number of repetitions.

Tips

  1. Begin by mastering the one-leg V-up, also known as the single-leg V-up, and progress to the V-up as you gain proficiency.

  2. During the exercise, aim for your leg and torso to form a V shape at the peak of the movement, emphasizing the contraction of the abdominal muscles.

  3. To effectively target the rectus abdominis, ensure a dual flexion at both the hip and abdomen, ensuring active engagement of the targeted muscle. This prevents the rectus abdominis from solely acting as a stabilizer and involves the internal and external obliques.

  4. Initiate each repetition with your upper back in contact with the floor to guarantee proper abdominal flexion throughout the movement.

  5. Execute the one-leg V-up with deliberate control, avoiding sudden drops of the torso and leg when returning to the starting position.

  6. If reaching for your toes is challenging, focus on reaching for your shin, maintaining a steady and controlled motion.

How Not to Perform

  1. Avoid rushing the movement: Resist the urge to perform the Single-Leg-Arm V-Up hastily. Rapid and uncontrolled motions can compromise form and increase the risk of injury.

  2. Do not neglect proper form: Ensure that your leg and torso create a distinct V shape at the top of the movement. Failing to achieve this shape may indicate inadequate engagement of the abdominal muscles, reducing the exercise's effectiveness.

  3. Avoid neglecting hip and abdominal flexion: To maximize the activation of the rectus abdominis and prevent it from merely stabilizing, focus on flexing both at the hip and the abdomen during each repetition. This ensures a comprehensive engagement of the targeted muscle group.

  4. Do not lift your upper back off the floor prematurely: Initiate each repetition with your upper back in contact with the floor. Lifting it too early can compromise the engagement of the abdominal muscles, affecting the exercise's efficacy.

  5. Avoid jerky or uncontrolled movements during descent: Maintain control as you lower your torso and leg back to the starting position. Swift and uncontrolled descents can increase the risk of strain or injury.

  6. Do not sacrifice form to reach for the toes: If reaching for your toes is challenging, prioritize maintaining proper form over attempting to touch your toes. Opt for reaching toward your shin while keeping the movement controlled and deliberate.

Variations

Variations of fitness exercises refer to different ways of performing a specific exercise or movement to target various muscle groups, intensities, or goals. These variations aim to challenge the body differently, prevent plateaus, and cater to individuals with varying fitness levels.

Alternatives

Alternative exercises in fitness refer to different movements or activities that target similar muscle groups or serve the same training purpose as the primary exercise. These alternative exercises can be used as substitutes when the original exercise is unavailable or challenging to perform due to various reasons such as equipment limitations, injuries, or personal preferences.

EQUIPMENT

Bodyweight

EXECUTION

Compound

FITNESS LEVEL

Beginner

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