Sit-ups are a classic ab exercise that many people do daily to build a strong core. But how many should you really do? According to fitness experts, 40 sit-ups per day is enough for most people, as long as you’re using proper form.
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., says quality matters more than quantity. “If you rush through 100 sit-ups, your form suffers,” he explains. Doing too many reps can also lead to injury, especially if your technique breaks down.
Proper sit-up form includes:
- Lying on your back with knees bent
- Keeping hands at your sides or across your chest
- Lifting your upper body slowly and with control
Sit-ups mainly work your rectus abdominis, the muscles that form a six-pack. They also support good posture and help with everyday movements like bending or lifting.
But don’t rely on sit-ups alone. Kurt Ellis, C.S.C.S., warns that too much focus on one movement can lead to imbalances. He recommends mixing in planks, hollow rocks, and side exercises for full core training.
So yes, you can do sit-ups every day—but you don’t need to. Focus on good form, limit your reps, and include a variety of exercises for best results.
