Core · Dumbbell
Dumbbell Alternate V Up
How to do the dumbbell alternate v up, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Dumbbell
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- Flexion
- Mechanic
- Isolation
How to do it
Lie on your back holding a dumbbell in one hand with arms overhead. Lift your torso and legs at the same time into a V, reaching the dumbbell toward your feet, then lower under control. Alternate which hand holds the dumbbell between sets and keep the legs straight as you fold.
- 1Upper and lower abs folding your torso and legs together
- 2A straight reach of the dumbbell toward your feet at the top
- 3A controlled lower rather than dropping flat
Common mistakes
- Using momentum or swinging the dumbbell to fling up
- Letting your lower back arch off the floor
- Bending your knees to shorten the lift
Muscles worked
The dumbbell alternate v up mainly works the upper abs and lower abs, with the hip flexors and obliques assisting.
- Upper AbsPrimary
- Lower AbsPrimary
- Hip FlexorsSupport
- ObliquesSupport
- ForearmsMinor
- LatsMinor
- QuadsMinor
- Front DeltsMinor
Kovo programs the dumbbell alternate v up for you and tracks it every session.
We build your whole program, drop the right lifts into each workout, and adjust your weights as you get stronger. Free on iOS and Android.
More abs & core exercises
- How to do the ab wheel rollout
- How to do the ankle tap plank
- How to do the ankle taps
- How to do the resistance band dead bugs
- How to do the resistance band pallof press
- How to do the rollout
Last reviewed June 2026.