Sit-ups (incline)
Bodyweight Strength - Sit-ups performed on an decline bench (just like you would for Decline Dumbbell Presses) are an excellent bodyweight exercise and are very similar to regular Sit-ups with a foothold. The obvious, and primary difference, is that the incline version is performed on a bench that is sloped and forces you to sit up against the incline as you perform the exercise.
As in the regular version of the Sit-up with a foothold, you will be hooking your feet into a foothold on this version as well. This brings the same issues regarding developing a base level of abdominal strength into the picture as highly important before attempting this exercise. Refer to the exercise description for Sit-ups (with a foothold) for the details regarding this important matter to assist you in developing sufficient abdominal bodyweight strength before attempting this exercise.
Once you have developed sufficient abdominal strength to stabilize your torso and spine sufficiently to perform Incline Sit-ups, simply find a Decline Bench with footholds in your gym, set the angle at the angle that you desire (less steepness is easier at first), and lay back all the way down to the bench. Once you have laid down completely, crunch your abdominal muscles very tightly and then flex your hips and the front of your thighs tightly as well as all three muscles intensely contract to cause your torso to sit up completely until your torso is vertical. Once your torso reaches the full upright position simply lie back again and repeat for the number of reps you are performing. Be very deliberate to keep you abdominal muscles contracted extremely tightly throughout the exercise because those muscles are the ones that stabilize your torso and thereby protect your spine when performing a sit-up like this. If your abs get too tired and begin to slough off on their job (causing your to feel a strain in your lower back), it is often best to just go ahead and stop the set, even if you haven't performed the total number of reps you intended too yet. Back safety is something to always be very keen and proactive about so it is not worth the risk.
Disclaimer - We do not recommend performing any exercise without the supervision of a highly qualified bodyweight strength professional present with you. This detailed exercise description is for informational purposes only. Consult your physician before attempting any strength training program or attempting this exercise or any of the other exercises on www.bodyweight-strength.com
As in the regular version of the Sit-up with a foothold, you will be hooking your feet into a foothold on this version as well. This brings the same issues regarding developing a base level of abdominal strength into the picture as highly important before attempting this exercise. Refer to the exercise description for Sit-ups (with a foothold) for the details regarding this important matter to assist you in developing sufficient abdominal bodyweight strength before attempting this exercise.
Once you have developed sufficient abdominal strength to stabilize your torso and spine sufficiently to perform Incline Sit-ups, simply find a Decline Bench with footholds in your gym, set the angle at the angle that you desire (less steepness is easier at first), and lay back all the way down to the bench. Once you have laid down completely, crunch your abdominal muscles very tightly and then flex your hips and the front of your thighs tightly as well as all three muscles intensely contract to cause your torso to sit up completely until your torso is vertical. Once your torso reaches the full upright position simply lie back again and repeat for the number of reps you are performing. Be very deliberate to keep you abdominal muscles contracted extremely tightly throughout the exercise because those muscles are the ones that stabilize your torso and thereby protect your spine when performing a sit-up like this. If your abs get too tired and begin to slough off on their job (causing your to feel a strain in your lower back), it is often best to just go ahead and stop the set, even if you haven't performed the total number of reps you intended too yet. Back safety is something to always be very keen and proactive about so it is not worth the risk.
Disclaimer - We do not recommend performing any exercise without the supervision of a highly qualified bodyweight strength professional present with you. This detailed exercise description is for informational purposes only. Consult your physician before attempting any strength training program or attempting this exercise or any of the other exercises on www.bodyweight-strength.com