Abs · Bodyweight

Dead Bug

A compound movement that trains your abs, done using just your bodyweight.

Dead Bug, demonstration
EquipmentBodyweight
TypeCompound
Push or pullPull
LevelBeginner

Muscles you'll work

Dead Bug muscles worked, front viewDead Bug muscles worked, back view
AbsPrimary

How to do it

  1. Begin lying on your back with your hands extended above you toward the ceiling.
  2. Bring your feet, knees, and hips up to 90 degrees.
  3. Exhale hard to bring your ribcage down and flatten your back onto the floor, rotating your pelvis up and squeezing your glutes. Hold this position throughout the movement. This will be your starting position.
  4. Initiate the exercise by extending one leg, straightening the knee and hip to bring the leg just above the ground.
  5. Maintain the position of your lumbar and pelvis as you perform the movement, as your back is going to want to arch.
  6. Stay tight and return the working leg to the starting position.
  7. Repeat on the opposite side, alternating until the set is complete.

More ab exercises

Ab ScissorsAir BikeBicycle CrunchBicycle Crunch Raised Legs
Free · No card required

Log Dead Bug and watch it climb

Every set you finish decides the next one — heavier, more reps, or hold. You get the number and the reason before you lift it.

  • Free AI plans, no card
  • Every weight has a reason
  • Miss a day, the week re-fits

The AI writes the plan. The engine keeps coaching every session after that — free.