Home > Exercise Directory > Jackknife Sit-up >

Jackknife Sit-up

Build solid, strong abs with this effective bodyweight exercise that targets the core.

  • Primary Muscle: Abdominals
  • Secondary Muscle(s): None
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Also known as: Jackknifes
  • Optional: Ankle Weights

You must be logged in to use Exercise Tools

View Jackknife Sit-up guide

  • How to do Jackknife Sit-ups

    1. Lie flat on the floor with your arms fully extended back behind your head and you legs straight.
    2. Bend at the waist and contract your abs whilst simultaneously raising your legs and arms to meet in a jackknife position above your stomach. 
    3. Lower your arms and legs back to the starting position and repeat.

    Beginning the Jackknife Sit-up

    If you can't yet perform the Jackknife Sit-up, try starting with the standard sit-up first or the plank and build up abdominal strength before progressing.

    Advanced Jackknife Sit-ups

    Weighted Jackknife Sit-ups

    If you're starting to find the jackknife exercise particularly easy you can try introducing additional weight to the exercise. Hold a weight or medicine ball between your feet to add intensity as an effective technique for a seriously intense ab workout.

Disclaimer

Always consult your GP before undertaking any form of weight loss, fitness or exercise

Shop

Resources

Training Equipment

Community

Help

Our commitment

Fitstream is committed to working with best-in-class fitness equipment, rigorously tested and constructed to withstand heavy daily use by the world's most demanding fitness enthusiasts.

Fitstream

We don't believe in choosing between Olympic lifting, calisthenics or gymnastics. We choose fitness. Well-rounded and capable physiques forged from diversity, intensity and dedication.

Fitstream is for everyday people wanting good health and an elite physique that not only looks amazing, but can perform too, using tools & techniques that are beautifully primitive, yet brutally effective.

Learn More
Back to top