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
See it in motion
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
Kovo programs the v-up for you and tracks it every session.
The AI builds your whole program, drops the right lifts into each workout, and adjusts 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 bicycle crunches
- How to do the cable crunch
- How to do the cable pallof press
- How to do the woodchop
- How to do the captains chair leg raise
Last reviewed April 2026.