This variation on the sit-up is a great way to engage your core and build your abdominal muscles.

Starting Position:

Lie on the floor, on your back, with your legs extended and arms extended over your head. Your body should be in a straight line. Contract your abdominal muscles and relax your shoulders, arms and neck.

Exercise Technique:

Bend at the waist and raise your legs and arms straight up to meet in the middle so your body forms a V. Reach your arms toward your toes and hold the position for 1 to 2 seconds before returning to the starting position.

Variation:

For a greater challenge, hold the top contraction for 4 to 5 seconds before returning to the starting position. Pulsing can also be used to make this exercise more challenging: instead of lowering all the way down to the starting position, stop halfway down before reaching back up into the V-sit motion. Reduce the number of repetitions. This will place more emphasis on the abdominal region and result in greater fatigue. Blend the pulsing technique with a regular V-sit exercise for maximum effectiveness.

Breathing:

Exhale on the way up and inhale on the down. Breathe in a slow and rhythmic manner throughout the movement; do not hold your breath.