Disclosed is apparatus for exercising the abdominal muscles, comprising: a control means, a visual display having a plurality of elements each of which is capable of individual illumination responsive to signals from the control means, and detection means for detecting a hand or part thereof placed in proximity to an illuminated one of the plurality elements, the illuminated element being returned to a non-illuminated state in response to; (c) detection by the detection means of a hand or part thereof in proximity to the illuminated element; and/or (d) a signal from the control means which is emitted after the element has been illuminated for a predetermined length of time; the apparatus enabling a user to lie in front of the display, sit up as each element is illuminated, place a hand in proximity to the illuminated element and then return to the lying position, ready for the next sit-up.