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Weighted Hanging Knee Raise

Abs Tier B for Abs Dumbbell Compound Pull
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3sets
8-12reps
75srest
~4.9kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Secondary
ObliquesForearms

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: Pick a weight you finish with 1–2 good reps left. 4+ left = too light; form breaks = too heavy.

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

  • Grip a light dumbbell securely between your feet, or use ankle weights instead.
  • Add load only once you can complete every rep with perfect form.
  • Curl your hips up at the top; lifting the knees only to hip height mostly trains the hip flexors.
  • Use lifting straps or ab slings if your grip gives out before your abs.

Common mistakes

  • Swinging your body to throw the knees up.
  • Dropping the legs quickly after each rep.

Breathing

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

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

Variations of this move

Alternatives for the same muscle