TETSUBand V-Up vs Straddle Maltese
The Band V-Up and the Straddle Maltese both train the abs as their primary muscle. The Band V-Up uses a band while the Straddle Maltese is bodyweight-only. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Band V-Up | Straddle Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | hip flexors | shoulders and chest |
| Equipment | band | bodyweight |
| Steps in our guide | 4 | 5 |
How each one starts
Band V-Up — first steps
- Lie flat on your back with your legs straight and your arms extended overhead, holding the band.
- Engaging your abs, lift your legs and upper body off the ground simultaneously, reaching your hands towards your toes.
Straddle Maltese — first steps
- Start by hanging from a pair of rings with your arms fully extended and your body in a straight line.
- Spread your legs wide apart, forming a straddle position.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Band V-Up gives accommodating resistance that peaks at the top of the range. The Straddle Maltese needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. 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 Band V-Up better than the Straddle Maltese?
Neither is universally better — both train the abs as the primary mover. The Band V-Up gives accommodating resistance that peaks at the top of the range, while the Straddle Maltese needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Band V-Up and the Straddle Maltese 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 Band V-Up and the Straddle Maltese work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the abs. Supporting muscles differ slightly — hip flexors for the Band V-Up versus shoulders and chest for the Straddle Maltese.
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.