Medicine Ball V-Ups - Martial Arts Core Strength Training

This page will teach you how to do Medicine Ball V-Ups. This exercise will improve your core, chest & shoulder strength and thus will help you to generate stronger punches and grappling techniques. However, be aware that this is an advanced technique and requires good coordination given the weight of the medicine ball.

All stretches and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor to ensure the proper technique is being utilized and to avoid potential injuries. For additional exercises, please visit the main Medicine Ball Workouts or Physical Fitness sections.

Instructions for Technique

• Lie down on the floor with your back on the ground.
• Hold a medicine ball in your two hands and place your arms over your head.
• Contract your stomach muscles and raise your arms & legs at the same time until they meet at the center of your body.
• Try to keep your arms and legs straight.
• Repeat.
• If you are finding that there is too much pressure on your back, please try easier non-medicine ball core exercises (i.e. traditional crunches).