A sit-up bench, also known as an abdominal bench, is a piece of equipment that’s commonly used to target the abdominal muscles. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly use a sit-up bench:
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- Position the bench so that it’s perpendicular to your body. Sit on the flat bench with your back against the padded backrest and your feet flat on the ground.
- Adjust the bench so that the padded rollers at the top of the bench are positioned just above your hip bones.
- Once you’re in position, grasp the handles on the bench or cross your arms over your chest, depending on the specific exercise you’re going to perform.
- Begin by tilting your pelvis forward, so that your lower back is pressed against the padded backrest. This is your starting position.
- Slowly raise your upper body towards your knees by flexing your abdominal muscles, exhaling as you rise. Make sure that you’re keeping your head and neck in a neutral position.
- Pause at the top of the movement, and then slowly lower your upper body back down to the starting position, inhaling as you lower.
- Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions.
Read more: 1-Minute Plank Is Equivalent To How Many Push-ups?
It’s important to use proper form when performing sit-ups on a flat bench. Keep your spine in a neutral position and avoid rounding your back. It’s also important to avoid using momentum to perform the exercise; instead, focus on using your abdominal muscles to control the movement.
To avoid straining your neck and to activate more of your core muscles you can also use resistance band to make your exercise more challenging. If you’re new to sit-ups or if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it’s always a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional or a certified personal trainer to determine if the sit-ups are right for you.