Anatomy of a sit-up

As one of those students who is only casually organised I possess two skills vital to writing this next article.

Firstly, as someone who has little disposable income to be spent on expensive gym fees but a desire for Grecian abs- perhaps a dangerous addiction - I know a thing or two about exercise on the cheap.

Secondly, as a seasoned veteran of completing essays the night before they’re due in, I am used to taking minimal information and blagging my way to a greater word count - 400 words? Just about sit-ups? I’ll give it a go.

For starters, the most important thing about sit-ups is achieving the much-coveted ‘perfect sit up’.

Very few people know the art but I will know bestow the knowledge upon you like an eager father teaching their nervous child to ride a bike.

So, get yourself into some form of appropriate attire - shorts, pants, full tracks if you really want - and prepare yourself by warming up a little - nothing too strenuous, maybe just walk up and down the stairs twice?

Now, lie flat on your back on the floor and admire your ceiling for a bit.

You’ll probably get a similar view to that you’d see laying in bed of a night, maybe slightly different unless you’re lying on your bed, which I do not recommend.

223 words already, told you I was good.

Still on your back, bring your heels towards your backside so there’s about 12 inches between the two, or at least until you feel comfortable. [-[quote]-]

Now, with hands either side of the head (but definitely not behind it - bad, bad, bad) sit up a little so your shoulder blades are just off the floor. Maybe give them six inches?

Your abdominals, or tummy for those who prefer it, should be making a bit of a dome shape by now so slowly lower yourself back down into the original position.

We’ve done a sit up. After a few repetitions you should start to feel the burn.

Stay at comfortable burn. Don’t be tempted to burn out, but keep the flames gently licking the coals of fitness.

Alternatively, you can do sit-ups that work different abdominal muscles.

To work those that achieve the highly sought oblique, or V, muscles, simply do the sit ups but instead of putting your hands at either side of your head, alternate reaching for your left and right ankles.

This should make you twist a little as you sit up, still not too much distance between your shoulder blades and the floor, and have you looking like a Greek god in no time.

And that’s 437 words in about 15 minutes. Am I not the best?