Exercise Comparison
3/4 Sit-Up vs Barbell Ab Rollout
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Barbell Ab Rollout
Instructions
3/4 Sit-Up
Lie down on the floor and secure your feet. Your legs should be bent at the knees.
Place your hands behind or to the side of your head. You will begin with your back on the ground. This will be your starting position.
Flex your hips and spine to raise your torso toward your knees.
At the top of the contraction your torso should be perpendicular to the ground. Reverse the motion, going only ¾ of the way down.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Barbell Ab Rollout
For this exercise you will need to get into a pushup position, but instead of having your hands of the floor, you will be grabbing on to an Olympic barbell (loaded with 5-10 lbs on each side) instead. This will be your starting position.
While keeping a slight arch on your back, lift your hips and roll the barbell towards your feet as you exhale. Tip: As you perform the movement, your glutes should be coming up, you should be keeping the abs tight and should maintain your back posture at all times. Also your arms should be staying perpendicular to the floor throughout the movement. If you don't, you will work out your shoulders and back more than the abs.
After a second contraction at the top, start to roll the barbell back forward to the starting position slowly as you inhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the abdominals. 3/4 Sit-Up is a beginner exercise using bodyweight, while Barbell Ab Rollout is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose 3/4 Sit-Up if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Barbell Ab Rollout for a greater challenge.