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Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Jane McGuire

Chair sit-ups: How to do the seated ab exercise and the benefits for your midsection

a photo of a woman sitting in a chair doing a chair sit up

Whether you’re a complete beginner looking for a low-impact way to challenge your core, or you have mobility issues that make getting down on one of the best yoga mats difficult, seated ab exercises are a brilliant way to fire up the midsection. One of the most popular seated ab exercises to add to your routine is the seated, or chair sit-up, along with its variations, to challenge the muscles in your core. But how do you do chair sit-ups, what are the benefits, and what muscles are you targeting? Read on to find out more. 

As a reminder, if you’re new to exercise or you’re returning to exercise following an injury, a long time off, or a pregnancy, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor, or a personal trainer, before adding anything new to your routine. Strong abs are far more than just an aesthetic goal — a strong mid-section can help you sit with better posture, and protect your spine from injury. If building visible abs is your goal, check out some of the best ab exercises to try here, as well as our guide to calculating your body fat percentage, and why it matters. 

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