The main muscle group listed for this exercise.
Press Sit-Up
Press Sit-Up is an expert-level core exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the chest, shoulders, and arms.
The equipment listed for this variation.
The recorded setup and movement complexity.
Core
Press Sit-Up also involves chest, shoulders, arms.
Strength
Movement pattern: core. This is a compound exercise.
Expert
This level reflects the setup and movement complexity recorded for this exercise.
How to do Press Sit-Up
- To begin, lie down on a bench with a barbell resting on your chest. Position your legs so they are secure on the extension of the abdominal bench. This is the starting position.
- While inhaling, tighten your abdominals and glutes. Simultaneously curl your torso as you do when performing a sit-up and press the barbell to an overhead position while exhaling. Tip: Use your arms to push the barbell out as you perform this exercise while still focusing on the abdominal muscles.
- Lower your upper body back down to the starting position while bringing the barbell back down to your torso. Remember to breathe in while lowering the body.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
30-Minute Fat Loss Workout
A shorter full-body session designed to keep you moving and make consistency easier on busy days.
View workoutBeginner Full Body Workout
A simple full-body workout that teaches the basic movement patterns without burying beginners in volume.
View workoutBeginner Gym Workout
A beginner-friendly gym session built around stable machines and simple cable patterns.
View workoutMore exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Barbell Ab Rollout - On Knees
Barbell Ab Rollout - On Knees is an expert-level core exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the back and shoulders.
View exercise3/4 Sit-Up
3/4 Sit-Up is a beginner-friendly core exercise using body weight.
View exerciseBarbell Ab Rollout
Barbell Ab Rollout is an intermediate-level core exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the back and shoulders.
View exerciseBarbell Rollout from Bench
Barbell Rollout from Bench is an intermediate-level core exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the glutes, legs, back, and shoulders.
View exerciseRelated calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
Common questions about Press Sit-Up.
What muscles does Press Sit-Up work?
Press Sit-Up primarily trains the core and also involves the chest, shoulders, and arms.
Is Press Sit-Up beginner-friendly?
It is listed as expert.
What equipment do I need for Press Sit-Up?
This variation uses a barbell.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.