Core · Bodyweight
V-up
How to do the v-up, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Bodyweight
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- Extension
- Mechanic
- Isolation
How to do it
Lie on your back, lift legs and torso simultaneously, reaching hands toward feet, forming a V-shape.
- 1Feel your upper and lower abs working together to bring your hands and feet toward each other
- 2Keep your legs straight and reach up through your torso
- 3Engage your hip flexors gently while focusing on the core
Common mistakes
- Avoid jerking or using momentum; lift and lower under control
- Don't let your lower back arch or tailbone lift off the floor
- Avoid holding your breath; exhale as you fold and inhale as you lower
Muscles worked
The v-up mainly works the upper abs and lower abs, with the obliques assisting.
- Upper AbsPrimary
- Lower AbsPrimary
- ObliquesSupport
- QuadsMinor
V-up strength standards
See how your v-up ranks, from Bronze to Champion. These are the same standards the Kovo app uses to rank your lifts.
Bronze3 reps
Silver7 reps
Gold11 reps
Platinum18 reps
Diamond30 reps
Champion40 reps
Find your rank
Enter your best set of reps.
Kovo tracks this rank automatically as you train, across every lift, and levels you up as you get stronger.
Kovo programs the 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 April 2026.