Hanging Straight Leg Raise

Hanging Straight Leg Raise

Hips, Waist · Body weight

Target muscles

Rectus abdominisSerratus ante

Also works

Tensor fasciae latae

The Hanging Straight Leg Raise is a dynamic core exercise that primarily targets the abdominal and hip flexor muscles, enhancing core strength and stability. It is suitable for people of all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes, as it can be modified to match individual fitness abilities. Individuals would want to incorporate this exercise into their routine to improve their overall balance, posture, athletic performance, and to help prevent lower back pain.

How to do it

  1. 1Keeping your legs straight and together, raise them up in front of you until they are parallel to the ground, or as high as you can comfortably go.
  2. 2Hold this position for a few seconds, making sure to engage your abdominal muscles.
  3. 3Slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position, maintaining control to avoid swinging.
  4. 4Repeat this process for your desired number of repetitions, ensuring to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise.

Tips

  • Breathe Properly: Breathing is crucial when performing any exercise. Inhale as you lower your legs and exhale as you lift them. This will help engage your abdominal muscles more effectively.
  • Keep Your Movements Controlled: Avoid rushing through the exercise. The key to getting the most out of the Hanging Straight Leg Raise is to perform it slowly and with control. This will engage your muscles more effectively and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Don't Overarch Your Back: Overarching your back can put unnecessary strain on your spine and lead to injury. Instead, aim to keep your back in a neutral position throughout the exercise.

Related exercises

Video and images: ExerciseDB by AscendAPI, licensed via RapidAPI. Credits