Sit-Up (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
A core exercise where the body is partially suspended in TRX straps while performing a sit-up motion, reducing strain on the hip flexors while building abdominal strength.
Instructions
- Sit facing the anchor point with feet under the anchor and knees bent
- Grip the TRX handles and lean back slightly to create tension
- Use your abdominals to sit up, bringing your chest toward your thighs
- Keep your core engaged throughout the movement
- Return to the starting position with control
- Complete prescribed reps maintaining tension in the straps
- Avoid using excessive arm pull to perform the movement
Tips
- Focus on core strength and abdominal activation
- The TRX reduces the strain on hip flexors compared to traditional sit-ups
- Keep tension in the straps throughout the movement
- Control the descent rather than using momentum
- The angle of lean determines difficulty; more lean equals harder
- This exercise builds core strength safely
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 15 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 18 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 25 reps |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
Anti Rotation Press (Band)
Learn more about anti rotation press (band) beginner strength
Assisted Sit-Up (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about assisted sit-up (trx / suspension trainer) beginner strength
Bicycle Crunch (Band)
Learn more about bicycle crunch (band) beginner strength
Crunch (Band)
Learn more about crunch (band) beginner strength
Crunch (Dumbbell)
Learn more about crunch (dumbbell) beginner strength
Crunch on Elbows (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about crunch on elbows (trx / suspension trainer) intermediate strength
Crunch on Hands (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about crunch on hands (trx / suspension trainer) intermediate strength
Crunch with Chest Taps (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about crunch with chest taps (trx / suspension trainer) intermediate strength
Double Leg Raise
Learn more about double leg raise beginner strength
beginner strength
Kneeling Crunch (Band)
Learn more about kneeling crunch (band) beginner strength
Kneeling Crunch (Cable)
Learn more about kneeling crunch (cable) beginner strength
Leg Crunch (Medicine Ball)
Learn more about leg crunch (medicine ball) beginner strength
Low Rollout (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about low rollout (trx / suspension trainer) intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Pallof Press (Band)
Learn more about pallof press (band) intermediate strength
Push Crunch (Dumbbell)
Learn more about push crunch (dumbbell) beginner strength
Resisted Sit-Up (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about resisted sit-up (trx / suspension trainer) intermediate strength
Reverse Crunch (Band)
Learn more about reverse crunch (band) beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
Sit-Up (Medicine Ball)
Learn more about sit-up (medicine ball) beginner strength
Stability Ball Reverse Crunch
Learn more about stability ball reverse crunch beginner strength
Standing Crunch (Cable)
Learn more about standing crunch (cable) beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
Toe Touch (Medicine Ball)
Learn more about toe touch (medicine ball) intermediate strength
intermediate strength