How to Do Leg Raises (Straight Legs)

Leg Raises (Straight Legs) is a core exercise using bodyweight, listed as beginner in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

Primary muscle

Core

Equipment

Bodyweight

Difficulty

Beginner

01 / Move with control

How to perform

How to do Leg Raises (Straight Legs)

  1. 01Lie flat on the back with the legs extended straight and hands placed palms-down at the sides for stability.
  2. 02Press the small of the back into the floor to engage the deep core before initiating the lift.
  3. 03Raise both legs simultaneously toward the ceiling until the hips reach a ninety-degree angle.
  4. 04Lower the heels toward the floor at a slow tempo without letting them touch the ground.
  5. 05Exhale as the legs rise and inhale as they descend to maintain intra-abdominal pressure.

Same guidance shown inside the A90 app

02 / Anatomy

Muscles worked by Leg Raises (Straight Legs)

Primary Stabiliser Inactive

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Primary movers

  • Core Stabilises the spine and transfers force.

Stabilisers

  • Lower back Stabilises the spine during lifts and bends.
  • Forearms Grips and stabilises the wrist under load.

03 / A90 Coach

A90 Coach tip

If the lower back arches off the floor, shorten the range of motion by stopping the descent before the lumbar spine lifts.

Same coaching engine used inside the A90 app

05 / FAQ

Leg Raises (Straight Legs) questions

What muscles does Leg Raises (Straight Legs) work?

Leg Raises (Straight Legs) is catalogued as a core exercise in A90 Training Club, with the core as its primary muscle group.

How do you do Leg Raises (Straight Legs) correctly?

Lie flat on the back with the legs extended straight and hands placed palms-down at the sides for stability. Press the small of the back into the floor to engage the deep core before initiating the lift. Raise both legs simultaneously toward the ceiling until the hips reach a ninety-degree angle. Lower the heels toward the floor at a slow tempo without letting them touch the ground. Exhale as the legs rise and inhale as they descend to maintain intra-abdominal pressure.

What is the A90 coach tip for Leg Raises (Straight Legs)?

If the lower back arches off the floor, shorten the range of motion by stopping the descent before the lumbar spine lifts.

Is Leg Raises (Straight Legs) suitable for beginners?

Leg Raises (Straight Legs) is rated beginner in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

Do you need equipment for Leg Raises (Straight Legs)?

No. Leg Raises (Straight Legs) is listed as a bodyweight movement in the A90 catalogue, so you can train it with no kit.

A90 Intelligence

Put this into a real plan.

A90 Intelligence programmes leg raises (straight legs) into a 30, 60 or 90 day plan built around your equipment, then adjusts it as you train.

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