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Exercise · Core

Dead Bug guide

The Dead Bug is a beginner-level isolation bodyweight lift that trains the Transverse Abdominis. Use it when you want more core work with no extra kit. Keep the range honest, add load only when every rep looks the same.

TargetTransverse Abdominis
SecondaryCore
EquipmentBodyweight
MechanicsIsolation
LevelBeginner
Sets × reps3–4 × 8–15

What muscles does the dead bug work?

The Dead Bug primarily trains the Transverse Abdominis, with the core as the target group. Train it as part of a balanced core routine.

How do you do the dead bug?

To do the Dead Bug: clear enough floor space that you can finish the dead bug without hitting anything. brace, then move; move the load with the transverse abdominis. if another muscle takes over, shorten the range until transverse abdominis is doing the work; control the lowering half. a bounce at the bottom is a missed rep on the dead bug; stop 1–2 reps before form breaks. add weight or a harder variation only after every working set looks the same.

  1. Clear enough floor space that you can finish the dead bug without hitting anything. Brace, then move.
  2. Move the load with the transverse abdominis. If another muscle takes over, shorten the range until transverse abdominis is doing the work.
  3. Control the lowering half. A bounce at the bottom is a missed rep on the dead bug.
  4. Stop 1–2 reps before form breaks. Add weight or a harder variation only after every working set looks the same.

What are the most common dead bug mistakes?

  • Turning the dead bug into a momentum drill. — Slow the first two seconds of the lowering half until the transverse abdominis stays tense.
  • Cutting the range short to move more load. — Own the longest range you can keep tidy. Load comes after range.
  • Letting the bodyweight dictate sloppy setup. — Reset stance, grip and brace before every set, not after the first ugly rep.

Dead Bug alternatives

PlankBodyweight · CoreCrunchBodyweight · CoreSide PlankBodyweight · CoreBicycle CrunchBodyweight · CoreHanging Leg RaiseBodyweight · CoreHanging Knee RaiseBodyweight · Core

Dead Bug FAQ.

What muscles does the Dead Bug work?

The Dead Bug primarily targets the Transverse Abdominis, training the Core as the main muscle group.

Is the Dead Bug a compound or isolation exercise?

The Dead Bug is an isolation exercise — it focuses on one muscle, which is useful for targeting and bringing up weak points.

What equipment do I need for the Dead Bug?

You need no equipment — just your bodyweight. Difficulty is rated beginner.

What are good alternatives to the Dead Bug?

Good core alternatives include Plank, Crunch, Side Plank.

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