Exercise · Core

V-ups

  • Strength

Works: The front of your core and your hips.

Add to a routineUsed in 2 timer routines

How to do it

Line drawing of a V-up: lying flat with the arms overhead, then legs and upper body lifted with the hands reaching towards the feet.
  1. Lie on your back, legs straight and arms overhead.
  2. Lift your legs and your upper body at the same time.
  3. Reach your hands towards your feet, making a V shape.
  4. Lower slowly back down, keeping your lower back close to the floor.

Watch out for

Jerking up, and dropping back down.

Make it easier or harder

  1. 1Tuck-ups: knees bent, bringing them in towards your chest as you sit up.
  2. 2Single-leg V-ups: lift one leg at a time.
  3. 3V-ups.
  4. 4V-ups holding the top for two seconds.

Do the difficulty that suits you.

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Safety and disclaimer

The workouts, exercise instructions and effort guide on this page are general information for adults. They are not tailored to you, they are not medical or professional advice, and they may not be suitable for you. They do not replace advice from a professional who knows you. Although exercise can be good for your health, all exercise carries some risk of injury.

Get advice from a doctor, physiotherapist or other qualified health professional before you start if:

  • you have a heart or lung condition, high blood pressure, diabetes or any other long-term condition
  • you have ever had chest pain, fainting or dizziness, with or without exercise
  • you have an injury, a joint or back problem, or pain when you move
  • you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last year
  • you have recently had an operation, or been ill
  • you take medicine that affects your heart rate, blood pressure or balance
  • you are new to exercise, or coming back after a long break
  • a doctor or other professional has told you to limit or avoid exercise
  • you have any other concern about your health

Stop straight away if you get chest pain or tightness, feel faint or dizzy, become unusually short of breath, feel your heart racing or beating irregularly, or feel sharp pain. Call 999, or your local emergency number, if you have chest pain or tightness, or if any of these does not settle quickly with rest.

Start at a level that feels comfortable and build up gradually. Clear the space around you, use a floor that is not slippery, and make sure any chair, step, bench or equipment is sturdy and will not move.

You choose whether to do these exercises and how hard to work, and you do them at your own risk. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.