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Roman Chair Sit Up

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Roman Chair Sit Up.

MediumAbs

About this exercise

The Roman chair sit up is an abdominal exercise performed on an incline sit-up bench that anchors your feet and allows a greater range of motion than a standard floor sit-up. By lowering your torso below the horizontal, it deeply stretches and contracts the abs.

How to Perform

  • Sit on the Roman chair bench with your feet secured under the ankle pads and cross your arms over your chest
  • Keeping a neutral spine, lower your torso backward past horizontal in a slow, controlled manner
  • Stop before your lower back overextends, then contract your abs to curl your torso back up
  • Rise until your torso is upright or slightly past vertical
  • Avoid using momentum — keep the movement deliberate throughout

Muscle Activation

Primary
Abs
Secondary
Obliques

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Roman Chair Sit Up

The Roman Chair 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.