V-Up

Setup & Positioning

• Lie flat on your back with legs extended and arms reaching overhead.
• Keep your lower back gently pressed into the floor and core lightly engaged before starting.

Key point: “This is one smooth movement—lift upper and lower body together to form a ‘V’ shape.”

Execution

1. Engage your core and simultaneously lift your legs and upper body off the floor.
2. Reach your hands toward your feet, keeping legs as straight as possible.
3. Pause briefly at the top of the movement.
4. Slowly lower your arms and legs back to the starting position without letting your heels or shoulders slam into the floor.

Where You Should Feel It

• Rectus abdominis (primary)
• Hip flexors assisting with leg lift
• Deep core stabilizers maintaining control

Where You Shouldn’t Feel It

• Lower back pain from arching or uncontrolled descent
• Neck strain from pulling with your head instead of engaging abs
• Hip discomfort from jerky movements

Breathing

"Exhale as you lift into the V, inhale as you return to the floor."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using momentum – Control both the lift and the lowering.
2. Bending knees excessively – Aim for straight legs to fully engage the abs.
3. Letting lower back arch – Keep core engaged to protect the spine.
4. Neck pulling – Keep gaze upward and lift from the torso, not by yanking your head.