Core · Dumbbell
Dumbbell V-up
How to do the dumbbell v-up, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Dumbbell
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- Flexion
- Mechanic
- Isolation
How to do it
Lie on your back holding a dumbbell in both hands with arms extended overhead. Simultaneously lift your straight legs and your torso, reaching the dumbbell toward your feet to form a V, then lower under control.
- 1Feel your upper and lower abs fold together to bring the dumbbell and
- 2feet to meet
- 3Keep your legs straight and reach up through your torso
- 4Lower slowly and keep your abs under tension the whole rep
Common mistakes
- Don't use momentum or swing the dumbbell to fold up
- Avoid letting your lower back arch off the floor
- Don't hold your breath; exhale as you fold up
Muscles worked
The dumbbell v-up mainly works the upper abs and lower abs, with the obliques and hip flexors assisting.
- Upper AbsPrimary
- Lower AbsPrimary
- ObliquesSupport
- Hip FlexorsSupport
- ForearmsMinor
- LatsMinor
- QuadsMinor
- Front DeltsMinor
Kovo programs the dumbbell 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.