June ’26 Movement of the Month: Turkish Sit-Up
by Coach Nick
This month’s movement of the month is the: Turkish Sit-Up
The Turkish Sit-Up is a great drill for building shoulder stability, core strength, and control through rotation. It also helps with positions we use in movements like Turkish get-ups, overhead carries, pressing, and anything that requires you to stay strong and stable while moving.
Set Up:
Start lying on your back with one arm pressed straight up toward the ceiling.
The same-side knee should be bent with your foot flat on the floor. Your opposite leg stays straight and slightly out to the side.
Keep your eyes on your hand or object overhead.
How to Perform:
From the floor, press through your planted foot and begin sitting up while keeping your arm locked out overhead.
Use your opposite elbow, then your hand, to help guide yourself up.
The goal is to move with control while keeping your shoulder active and stacked the entire time.
Regressions:
Perform the movement with no weight first.
Use a light dumbbell or kettlebell once you can control the movement well.
Slow the movement down and focus on staying stacked instead of rushing through the rep.
Sets and Reps:
Perform this movement 2x per week in 3 sets x 5 reps per side.
Focus on control, shoulder stability, and keeping your core engaged the entire time.
