Incline Bench Leg Raises
Core
Track this exercise in SmartWorkout
Log sets, weights and progress for free, with no workout limits.
Body Part: Abs
Description
Incline Bench Leg Raises target the lower abdominal muscles by lifting the legs while lying on an incline bench. This exercise helps in strengthening the core and improving overall abdominal definition.
How to Perform
- Lie back on an incline bench with your head at the higher end and your legs extended off the lower end.
- Grip the sides of the bench for stability.
- Keep your legs straight and together, then lift them towards your chest by flexing at the hips.
- Raise your legs until they are perpendicular to your torso, or as high as you comfortably can.
- Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position without letting them touch the ground.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
What Muscles Work
Primary Muscle:
Tips
- Ensure your lower back remains in contact with the bench throughout the movement to prevent strain.
- Control the movement both when raising and lowering your legs to maximize muscle engagement.
- Exhale as you lift your legs and inhale as you lower them to maintain proper breathing rhythm.
- If you find it difficult to keep your legs straight, you can slightly bend your knees.
- Start with a moderate incline and adjust as needed to increase or decrease difficulty.
Common Mistakes
- Arching the lower back excessively, reducing core engagement.
- Allowing legs to drop too quickly, losing control and momentum.
- Raising legs too high, shifting focus away from the lower abs.
- Not keeping the legs straight, decreasing tension on the core.
- Gripping the bench too tightly, causing unnecessary upper body tension.
- Failing to engage the core muscles throughout the movement.
- Using the hip flexors instead of the abs to lift the legs.
- Not maintaining a consistent breathing pattern, reducing efficiency.
Recommended Exercises
Explore exercises related to Incline Bench Leg Raises for abs training and similar movement patterns.
Choose a workout plan or create your own - for free
Ready-made plans for every goal, a free plan creator, hundreds of exercises and an advanced workout journal - all in SmartWorkout.
