V-Up
The V-Up is an intermediate bodyweight core exercise that simultaneously targets the upper and lower abdominal muscles by folding the body into a distinct 'V' shape. This movement builds explosive core strength, improves hip flexor control, and enhances total body coordination.
Iridium tracks your repetition performance relative to body weight to accurately gauge progressive overload on this compound core movement. Since V-Ups heavily recruit the hip flexors, the system analyzes your 7-day workout history to ensure your hips have recovered sufficiently from recent leg training before assigning this exercise.
Form Cues
- Start with your lower back pressed firmly into the floor
- Lift your legs and torso simultaneously
- Keep your legs as straight as flexible allows
- Reach your fingertips toward your toes at the peak
- Lower your body slowly back to the start with control
- Don't swing your arms to generate momentum
- Don't let your lower back arch off the floor at the bottom
- Don't pull on your head or strain your neck
- Don't drop your legs quickly to the floor
Common Mistakes
- Using momentum instead of muscle tension
- Arching the lower back at the starting position
- Bending knees excessively to reduce leverage
- Straining the neck forward
- Descending without controlling the eccentric phase
Muscles Worked
The V-Up is highly effective because it requires the rectus abdominis to contract from both ends simultaneously, maximizing engagement of the entire abdominal wall. It also heavily recruits the hip flexors to lift the legs and requires deep stabilizer muscles to maintain balance at the apex of the movement.
Primary
Secondary
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