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Hanging Leg Raise

Abdominals Expert Strength Body Only
Hanging Leg Raise Hanging Leg Raise
Equipment
Body Only
Level
Expert
Force
Pull
Mechanic
Isolation
Instructions
  1. Hang from a chin-up bar with both arms extended at arms length in top of you using either a wide grip or a medium grip. The legs should be straight down with the pelvis rolled slightly backwards. This will be your starting position.
  2. Raise your legs until the torso makes a 90-degree angle with the legs. Exhale as you perform this movement and hold the contraction for a second or so.
  3. Go back slowly to the starting position as you breathe in.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Hanging Leg Raise work?

Hanging Leg Raise primarily targets the Abdominals. This makes it an effective strength exercise for building abdominals development.

Do I need equipment for the Hanging Leg Raise?

No. The Hanging Leg Raise is a bodyweight exercise that requires no equipment. It can be performed anywhere with enough space.

Is the Hanging Leg Raise suitable for beginners?

The Hanging Leg Raise is an advanced exercise that requires significant strength experience and proper form. It is not recommended for beginners. Build a solid foundation with simpler movements first, and consider working with a trainer before attempting this exercise.

Is the Hanging Leg Raise a compound or isolation exercise?

The Hanging Leg Raise is an isolation exercise that focuses on a single joint and muscle group. Isolation exercises are useful for targeting specific muscles, correcting imbalances, and adding focused volume. They are typically performed after compound movements in a workout.

How many sets and reps should I do for the Hanging Leg Raise?

For strength, aim for 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with heavier weight. For muscle building (hypertrophy), try 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps at a moderate weight. For endurance, use lighter weight and perform 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps.

What are good alternatives to the Hanging Leg Raise?

Good alternatives include the 3/4 Sit-Up, Ab Crunch Machine, Ab Roller. These exercises target similar muscle groups (Abdominals) and can be substituted based on available equipment or training preference.

How to use Hanging Leg Raise — How to, Muscles, Form

Best for: Building practical strength and adding focused work for Abdominals. Use it when the movement fits your goal, equipment, and recovery.

Programming tip: Start with a load you can control for every rep. Add reps before adding weight, and keep the last rep clean enough that you could repeat the movement next week.

Common mistake: Chasing heavier weight before the setup, range of motion, and tempo are consistent. If the rep changes every set, the log stops telling the truth.

Track it: Log weight, reps, sets, and one short note about form or difficulty. Over time, those notes explain plateaus better than motivation quotes ever will.

Track this exercise

Log sets, reps, and weight. See your progress over time.

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