Incline Straight Leg Raise: Target Your Core and Hip Flexors

The incline straight leg and hip raise is an effective core exercise which targets the Rectus Abdominis (Abs) muscles and it also strengthens the core. A strong core is essential for stabilizing weight during exercise but it’s also important for protecting your lower back from injury.

Most physical activities and daily functions require core strength so training this muscle group will help you remain pain and injury-free. But the great thing about this exercise is that you don’t need much or any equipment which makes it a very convenient ab training option.

The incline straight leg and hip raise is great for beginners as you don’t need that much strength to get an effective workout.

In this Exercise

• Target Muscle Group: Rectus Abdominis
• Type: Strength
• Mechanics: Compound
• Equipment: Bench
• Difficulty: Beginner

Exercise Instructions

1. Lie on a flat bench with your head at the top and legs straight out.
2. Then hold onto the sides of the bench near your head to secure you in position.
3. Bend your knees slightly and slowly lift your legs up until your body is at a 90-degree angle with feet in the air.
4. Then from the 90-degree position, lift your butt off the bench so your feet are directly above your head while exhaling.
5. Slowly return to the starting position with your body flat on the bench and legs level with your torso.
6. Repeat for the desired number of reps.

Variations & Tips

• You can lie on the floor and hold onto a stable surface if you don’t have a bench.
• Make sure to contract your abs during each repetition.
• The incline straight leg and hip raise target the abdominal muscles while building muscle tone and increasing core strength.
• Perform the exercise slow and controlled to keep the stimulus on the abdominals.

Watch: How to do the incline straight leg and hip raise

Flat bench variation

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