ExercisesDead bug

Dead bug

On your back with arms and knees up, lower one arm and the opposite leg toward the floor while keeping your lower back pressed down. Return and switch sides.

CoreNo equipmentDifficulty 1 of 3
Two-panel demonstration of the dead bug, showing the start and finish positions
Start and finish positions

How to do it

On your back with arms and knees up, lower one arm and the opposite leg toward the floor while keeping your lower back pressed down. Return and switch sides.

Muscles worked

Front
Back
  • coreprimary

Hover a muscle to find it on the figure. Dark green is the primary mover, lighter green is supporting work.

How many sets should you do?

That depends on your goal, your ability, and how many days you train. Answer three questions and the builder works out your sets and reps, plus a full week around them.

Get my sets and reps
JM
Johnny Milaychev · Product manager and self-directed lifter, not a trainer or a clinician. Why that matters and where this guidance stops.
Reviewed 16 August 2026 · Exercise library v2.2