Are Sit-Ups Cardio? Here’s The Answer

Are sit-ups cardio? Let’s answer this question by knowing what are sit-ups and what’s their benefits.

What are sit-ups?

Sit-ups are done by lying on your back and lifting your torso and it’s an abdominal exercise.

While doing sit-ups, you use your body weight to tone and strengthen the core-stabilizing abdominal muscles.

This exercise works your rectus abdominis, your obliques, your transverse abdominis, your chest, your neck, and your hip flexors.

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Benefits of sit-ups

1. Suitable and versatile for advanced athletes.
2. Longer range of motion.
3. Engages the core well.

Cons of sit-ups

1. Doesn’t burn so much fat.
2. If you suffer from back injuries, this is not for you.
3. Correct form is critical.

Are sit-ups cardio?

When we say the word “cardio” we mean “aerobic” which means “with oxygen”, and “anaerobic” which means “without oxygen”.

Sit-ups are anaerobic, it helps you elevate your heart rate but will not help you burn calories as cardio.

Sit-ups require more effort and your muscles can’t rely on the low-drain aerobic system to supply enough oxygen fast enough to fuel these types of activities. This type of resistance exercise is NOT cardio.

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Can sit-ups burn calories?

Sit-ups are not the ideal workout to burn calories and lose that belly fat.

Doing 100 sit-ups will only burn 20 calories, and if you did this exercise for an hour you would burn about the same amount as you would if you were walking at a normal pace. So what do you prefer? Walking you’re right!

Are sit-ups cardio? No. Do sit-ups burn calories? Yes, but not too much. Strength and tone your muscles with sit-up exercises, it’s not bad to add this workout to your routine but you have to know that it’s not the best one to burn calories.