Straight Leg Raise | Illustrated Exercise Guide

Primary muscles: Abs
Secondary muscles: Lower back
Equipment: No equipment
Exercise for the opposite muscles: Back extensions

Straight Leg Raise Instructions

1. Lie on your back with your hands by your sides or underneath your glutes. Keep your legs straight or just slightly bent.
2. Raise your legs until your body is in an L shape.
3. Pause, lower both legs slowly and then return to the starting position.
4. Repeat until set is complete.

Proper Form And Breathing Pattern

When doing the straight leg raise, keep your abs engaged at all times and keep your back, head, and shoulders pressed against the floor. Breathe in as you lower your legs and, if you feel any discomfort on your lower back, reduce the range of motion by lowering your legs only halfway.

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Exercise Benefits

Adding the straight leg raise to your workout routine helps to increase the strength and definition of your abs and also improves your overall flexibility and stability.

Straight Leg Raise Demonstration

Sets And Reps

Start with 2 or 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions and increase this number over time, until you’re able to complete 3 sets of 25 to 50 repetitions. You can also create a bigger challenge by adding leg weights or increasing the range of motion.

Calories Burned

To calculate the number of calories burned doing the straight leg raise, enter your weight and the duration of the exercise:

Related Core Exercises

Try these other core exercises to tighten, sculpt and strengthen your abs, obliques, lats and lower back:
Alternating superman
Flutter kicks
Plank
Crunches

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