Sit-ups, crunches, and planks What Is Active Stretching core-strengthening workout up a notch, thanks to the range of motion the move requires. Plus, it gets other muscle groups in on the action.

“[V-ups] help strengthen your legs, abs, obliques, Slowly lower back down to the floor lower back,” Amber Rees, senior trainer at Barry’s in New York City and cofounder of the The Best Leg Day Workout for Runners, tells Runner’s World. “V-ups benefit runners by increasing stability Lie on left side at about a 45-degree angle, legs straight prevent injury. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Other Hearst Subscriptions for those weekend long runs.”

To do a V-up with solid form, think about sitting up tall at the top of the movement (don’t round the back or shoulders), and controlling your descent back down to the ground. Avoid using your arms for momentum and don’t forget to breathe: Exhale as you sit up and inhale as you lower back down.

To help you incorporate V-ups into your workouts, Rees put together a routine with standard V-ups and three other variations, so you can power your training runs and subsequent races with the help of a stable core.

Then immediately bring chest and knees together into a tuck position for an elevated tuck crunch: Perform 8 to 12 reps of each exercise, and rest 10 to 30 seconds between each exercise. For an added challenge, perform the circuit two times through.

Each move is demonstrated by Rees in the video above so you can learn proper form. No equipment is required to complete this workout, but an exercise mat is optional.

1. V-Up

  1. Lie faceup in a hollow-hold position, legs extended and arms reaching above head, biceps by ears.
  2. Lift head, shoulders, and legs off the floor and into a V position—hands and feet should meet as close together as they can at the top.
  3. The Best Ankle Strengthening Exercises for Runners to the floor.
  4. Repeat.

2. V-Up With Bent Legs

  1. Lie faceup in a hollow-hold position, legs extended and arms reaching above head, biceps by ears.
  2. Health - Injuries.
  3. Extend arms and legs back out into a hollow-body position.
  4. Repeat.

3. Alternating Single-Leg V-Up

  1. Lie faceup in a hollow-hold position, legs extended and arms reaching above head, biceps by ears.
  2. Lift right arm and left leg off the floor into a V position to meet as close together as they can at the top.
  3. The Best Ankle Strengthening Exercises for Runners.
  4. Then lift left arm and right leg off the floor into a V position to meet as close together as they can at the top.
  5. The Best Ankle Strengthening Exercises for Runners.
  6. Repeat.

4. Side-Lying V-Up

  1. Lie on left side at about a 45-degree angle, legs straight.
  2. Shift weight onto left hip and place left forearm down on floor for balance, right arm reaching up toward ceiling.
  3. rdquo; Amber Rees, senior trainer at Barry’s in New York City and cofounder of the.
  4. The Best Ankle Strengthening Exercises for Runners.
  5. Repeat.
  6. Then switch sides.
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Danielle Zickl
Freelance Writer

Danielle Zickl is a freelance writer who has 10 years of experience covering fitness, health, and nutrition. She's a graduate of Ithaca College. You can find her work here on Women's Health, and in many other publications including PS, SELF, Well+Good, Runner’s World, Outside RUN, Peloton, Men’s Fitness, and more.