TETSU3/4 Sit-Up vs Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down
The 3/4 Sit-Up and the Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down both train the abs as their primary muscle. The 3/4 Sit-Up is bodyweight-only while the Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down is an assisted movement. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| 3/4 Sit-Up | Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | hip flexors and lower back | hip flexors and quadriceps |
| Equipment | bodyweight | assisted |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 8 |
How each one starts
3/4 Sit-Up — first steps
- Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
- Place your hands behind your head with your elbows pointing outwards.
Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down — first steps
- Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and your arms by your sides.
- Place your hands under your glutes for support.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The 3/4 Sit-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. The Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down reduces the load so you can own the movement before going unassisted. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the abs adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the 3/4 Sit-Up better than the Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down?
Neither is universally better — both train the abs as the primary mover. The 3/4 Sit-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps, while the Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down reduces the load so you can own the movement before going unassisted. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the 3/4 Sit-Up and the Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the abs. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the 3/4 Sit-Up and the Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the abs. Supporting muscles differ slightly — hip flexors and lower back for the 3/4 Sit-Up versus hip flexors and quadriceps for the Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.