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Half Sit-Up

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Half Sit-Up.

EasyAbsCore

About this exercise

A controlled abdominal exercise where you curl upward to approximately a 45-degree angle — halfway between lying flat and sitting fully upright. The partial range reduces lower-back stress while still challenging the rectus abdominis and hip flexors.

How to Perform

  • Lie flat on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor
  • Place your hands behind your head or cross them over your chest
  • Engage your core and curl upward until your torso reaches roughly a 45-degree angle
  • Pause briefly at the halfway position and feel the contraction
  • Slowly lower back down under control to the starting position

Muscle Activation

Primary
AbsCore
Secondary
Obliques

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Half Sit-Up

The Half Sit-Up is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.