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Bent-Knee Leg Raise

Abs Tier B for Abs Bodyweight Compound Pull
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3sets
12-15reps
45srest
~3.7kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Secondary
Quadriceps

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Abs

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inAbs

Lower abs working hard to control the legs and keep the lower back down.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Low back glued down, move slowly.”

Tempo · Up 1 s · down 3 s

Choosing the load: Too easy? Slow down or pause at the hardest point. Too hard? Use an easier version (knees, incline, band).

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in Lower backLower back lifting. Shorten the range, bend the knees, stop before the back arches.
  • Feel it in Front of hipsFront of the hips burning more than the abs. Tuck the tailbone up as you lift and bend the knees.
  • Feel it in Forearms / gripGrip fails first on hanging raises. Use ab straps or switch to lying leg raises.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • Keep the bend in your knees fixed so the movement comes from your hips and abs.
  • This is a great first step before straight-leg raises.

Common mistakes

  • Arching your lower back as your feet lower.

Breathing

Exhale as you raise your knees, inhale as you lower.

Equipment needed

Recommended by goal

Build muscle3–4 sets × 8–12 reps · rest 60–90 s
Strength4–5 sets × 4–6 reps · rest 2–3 min
Endurance2–3 sets × 15–20 reps · rest 30–45 s

Alternatives for the same muscle