What Are Atomic Sit-ups?

A comment on yesterday's post asked about Atomic Sit-ups. They're a Boot Camp staple (see the archives for my October, 2004 post on Boot Camp.)

Here's the drill: begin in a sit-up position, legs extended and with legs and upper body 6 inches off the floor (i.e. you're balanced on your butt.) Hold a 10 lb weight against your chest. As your upper body sits up, bend your knees and bring them up toward your chest. Return to starting position. At no time during the set should your legs or upper body touch the floor.

The 10 lb weight is optional, but holding it accomplishes several things: it obviously increases the exercise's intensity, but it also keeps you from clasping your hands behind your head and jerking on your neck as you see so many people at the health club do. Bad, bad, bad.

Enjoy!