Exercise technique

prisoner half sit-up (male)

The prisoner half sit-up is an abdominal exercise performed with body weight, focusing on the abs and hip flexors. It involves lying on your back, hands behind your head, and curling your torso up to a 45-degree angle before lowering back down.

How do you perform this exercise?

  1. Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
  2. Place your hands behind your head with your elbows pointing outwards.
  3. Engaging your abs, slowly lift your upper body off the ground, curling forward until your torso is at a 45-degree angle.
  4. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your upper body back down to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Which other muscles are involved?

Hip flexors.

How do you log your sets?

How do you track progressive overload?

Source: ExerciseDB catalogue and demonstration. Related movements are options to compare, not equivalent loads or a prescribed progression.

Alternatives to explore

STARK is a strength training tracker for iPhone and Apple Watch. Log sets, repetitions and weights, then follow your progress. Core features are free. Explore STARK’s features