V-Ups Exercise Guide: How to Strengthen Your Core with V-Ups

The V-up, also known as the jackknife sit-up, is a core exercise that targets your abdominal muscles as well as your glutes and hip flexors. By activating your rectus abdominis, V-ups allow you to build core strength. Perform V-ups by lying flat on your back, then simultaneously lifting your lower body and upper body into the shape of a V. With proper form, your legs and back should both be at a 45-degree angle from the floor. Variations of the V-up involve holding a free weight like a dumbbell or medicine ball while performing the exercise. For the V-up, begin by performing 2–3 sets of 10–15 repetitions. Choose your sets and repetitions based on your ability to maintain good technique throughout all sets and repetitions. 1. Lie face up on an exercise mat with your arms over your head and slightly lifted off the ground. Your legs should be together and lifted slightly off the ground with your toes pointed away from your body. Your chin should remain tucked throughout the movement, as if you were holding an egg under your chin. Your pelvis should be slightly tucked and your ribs should be down. Engage your core. All repetitions should begin from this position. 2. While maintaining your alignment, simultaneously lift your lower body and upper body off of the floor. 3. Continue to lift your lower and upper body until you form a V shape. 4. Pause for a second at the top of the movement. 5. While keeping your upper body and lower body long, slowly lower to the starting position while keeping your core engaged. If you have a previous or pre-existing health condition, consult your physician before beginning an exercise program. Proper exercise technique is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of an exercise program, but you may need to modify each exercise to attain optimal results based on your individual needs. Always select a weight that allows you to have full control of your body throughout the movement. When performing any exercise, pay close attention to your body, and stop immediately if you note pain or discomfort. In order to see continual progress and build body strength, incorporate proper warm-ups, rest, and nutrition into your exercise program. Your results will ultimately be based on your ability to adequately recover from your workouts. Rest for 24 to 48 hours before training the same muscle groups to allow sufficient recovery. Throw on some athleisure, fire up a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com), and get ready to sweat it out with exclusive instructional videos from Nike Master Trainer and *GQ* fitness specialist Joe Holder. Want to improve your cardiovascular endurance? Give Joe’s HIIT workout a go. Trying to get a little swole? He’s got a strength training workout for that. From fitness tips to nutrition hacks, Joe will have you feeling healthier in no time. If you’re looking for a new ab workout that activates your entire core, consider trying V-ups.