Hi people
Came across this site today while researching some weight programs etc and looks like a great forum with knowledgable people. So i hope yous can help me out

OK, ive submitted my application to the police 2 days ago and ive just noticed that part of the fitness requirement is that you can do complete "POLICE SIT UPS" with your hands crossed over your chest and hands resting on your shoulders and sitting all the way up.

1 small problem, I cant do them!!!!
I can do crunches and full sit ups if my feet are weighted, so i do have strength in that region.

ahhhhhhhh i can do everything else with ease, i dont want this sit up thing be the thing that stops me from being accepted! Do you have any suggestions to help me out? From what i can work out it is due to my total lack of flexibility (hip flexors including). Will stretching etc enable me to complete a full sit up? i am desperate!!!

Sorry about the long first post, but thanking you in advance

You need to focus on training for this exact activity.

Have a person hold you feet rather than using a bench or weight plates. You want to use minimal downward force on your feet; gradually work to no weight on your feet.

Correct... The stronger your abs get, the easier it will be to do without any weight on your feet.

so its got nothing to do with my flexibility? considering i can do them weighted and i do have visible abs?!
my sister has never done a sit up or any weights in her life and she can do them unweighted!!!!!!
cheers

This is just something that you need to build up to. One way of working up towards that is to lay on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Now with your arms straight and pointed towards your feet place your plams on the floor and just move your hands towards your feet (pretend like you are trying to touch your feet). This motion will create a natural crunch. Day after day add more and more reps - and you will reach your goal. Good luck! I know that you will get there