A simultaneous leg raise and crunch that folds the body into a V.
What it is
From flat on your back, the legs and torso lift at the same time to meet over the hips. It demands the abs work at both ends at once, which makes it much harder than either half.
Muscles worked
Primary: Core. Secondary: Hip flexors, Obliques.
How to perform it
- Lie flat with the arms overhead and the legs straight.
- Brace, then lift the legs and torso together, reaching the hands toward the feet.
- Touch the hands as close to the feet as your range allows at the top.
- Lower both halves under control without letting either crash down.
Common form faults
- Throwing the arms to generate momentum. Move the arms and legs at the same speed; if the arms lead, slow the whole rep.
- Lower back slamming into the floor on the way down. Control the descent, or use tuck-ups with bent knees until the strength is there.
Programming
8 to 15 reps. Bend the knees to scale down; hold a light weight overhead to scale up.
Plan your training
Variations & substitutions
Frequently asked questions
- V-up or hollow hold?
- The hollow hold trains the same position isometrically and is usually the better place to start. V-ups add the dynamic range once you can hold the shape.
- My hip flexors do all the work.
- Exhale hard and curl the ribs toward the pelvis at the top rather than reaching with the arms.