Ryan Terry is breaking down the go-to exercise that’s helped sculpt his abs. In an Instagram post from July 22, 2026, he revealed the most common hanging straight leg raise mistake and how to fix it for a carved-out midsection.
“Most men think they have a weak core; they’re just not training it properly. So, for me, I think this is the best ab exercise you can do, and that is a hanging straight leg raise. In my opinion, these are one of the most effective core exercises you can do.”
For the past three years, Ryan Terry has held the Men’s Physique Olympia throne. His signature Superman pose, shredded core, and wide back have helped him maintain his reign over top-tier threats, from Ali Bilal and Erin Banks to Brandon Hendrickson. Though preparations have heated up ahead of his title defense, Terry revealed why this one movement is all you need for a tighter waist.
Ryan Terry Explains Why Most People Do Hanging Leg Raises Wrong
In the Instagram reel, Terry said relying on momentum and using the hip flexors are the most common hanging leg raise mistakes.
“But most men never get the benefit from them, because they turn it into a swing. They use momentum, they bend the knees, and they lift with the hip flexors instead of the abdominals.
Done properly though, this hits everything. Your lower abs, your upper abs, your transverse abdominis, your obliques, and even your intercostals.”
For optimal results, he said to control your body with no swinging and keep your legs straight while thinking about curling your pelvis upward.
“This really helps give that detailed, carved look throughout the whole midsection. So here’s how to do it right: Start by controlling your body, no swinging.
Think about locking your rib cage down and bracing your core before you even move. Then, raise your legs up, keeping them as straight as you can, but don’t just lift them. Think about curling your pelvis up at the top. That small tilt is what fully shortens the abs at the top,” said Ryan Terry.
Terry emphasized that lifters shouldn’t concern themselves with a certain number of reps and should instead focus on controlling the body.
“Pause, and that’s where the entire core is under the most tension, and lower your legs slowly, staying in control the whole way down. If you’re just going up and down quickly, you’re missing it.
This isn’t about how many reps you can do. It’s about how well you can control your body. Do this properly, and you’re training your entire core as one unit. That’s why I rate this one as one of the best ab exercises you can do.”
Training can improve a midsection, but Terry maintains that diet is essential for a ripped six-pack. He believes calorie control, maintaining muscle, and sticking with a consistent plan are non-negotiables if you’re after a tighter stomach.
Throughout his career, Terry has maintained an impressive six-pack, which helped him earn three Men’s Physique Olympia titles. He believes the hanging straight leg raise is among the most valuable ab exercises out there.
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