Exercise guide
Sitting Knee Tuck On A Padded Stool
- Beginner
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Waist
The sitting knee tuck is a beginner-friendly core exercise that isolates the lower abdominals and hip flexors by using a seated pivot point. It builds foundational trunk stability and improves the mind-muscle connection with the rectus abdominis.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Sit on the edge of a padded stool or bench with your legs extended and heels lightly touching the floor.
- Grip the edges of the stool just behind your hips to provide a stable anchor.
- Lean your torso back slightly to a 45-degree angle, engaging your core to maintain a straight spine.
How to do it
- Exhale and pull your knees toward your chest by contracting your abdominals, bringing your torso slightly forward to meet them.
- Inhale as you slowly extend your legs back to the starting position, keeping your feet hovering just above the floor.
- Maintain a controlled tempo, focusing on a deep squeeze at the peak of the tuck.
Form checklist
- Avoid swinging your legs; use your core to drive the movement.
- Keep your shoulders down and away from your ears to avoid neck tension.
- Ensure your lower back doesn't arch excessively as you extend your legs.
- Keep your chin tucked slightly to maintain a neutral cervical spine.
Pro tips
- To maximize oblique engagement, perform a slight twist with your knees at the top of each rep.
- Focus on the 'hollow body' sensation by pulling your navel toward your spine throughout the entire range of motion.
Make it harder
- Remove your hands from the stool and hold them straight out in front of you to challenge your balance.
- Slow down the eccentric extension phase to 4 seconds to increase time under tension.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the sitting knee tuck on a padded stool work?
- The sitting knee tuck on a padded stool primarily targets the abs and obliques, and also works the glutes as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the sitting knee tuck on a padded stool?
- The sitting knee tuck on a padded stool requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the sitting knee tuck on a padded stool good for beginners?
- Yes. The sitting knee tuck on a padded stool is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.