Ab Exercises:
Leg Raises & Leg Lifts
Pictures, Instructions, and Variations

On this page, you'll find pictures and instructions for leg raises so that you learn how to perform them correctly.

Leg Lifts are a great lower abdominal exercise, but they can put extra pressure on your back if done incorrectly.

Leg Lifts & Raises

Starting Position: Lie on your back, with your hands at your side or just under your buttocks.

Form: Keeping your knees slightly bent, lift your legs straight in the air. Keep your back flat against the floor throughout the movement, especially as you lower your legs. Keep tension on your abs by not lowering all the way to the floor.

Personal Trainer Tips: The lower you extend your legs the more challenging this exercise is for the ab muscles and lower back.

Use your ab muscles to keep your back from arching or simply do not lower your legs as close to the ground.

Leg Lifts & Raises are a great ab exercise, but they are challenging on the lower back. If you feel pain or discomfort in your lower back, check your form, go back to the basics, and master the basics.

Advanced Variations of Leg Lifts and Raises

Here are some challenging ab exercises.

If you have a very strong core, and really want to challenge your ab muscles to improve athletic performance, try leg lifts with ankle weights

Or try hanging knee raises on a roman chair.

Or for an even tougher challenge to your ab muscles try hanging leg lifts from a bar.

Lastly, decline leg lifts are also an advanced abdominal exercise.

Yours in Health
Dr. Charles

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