Get the App

Leg Pull-In

Abdominals Beginner Strength Body Only
Leg Pull-In Leg Pull-In
Equipment
Body Only
Level
Beginner
Force
Pull
Mechanic
Compound
Instructions
  1. Lie on an exercise mat with your legs extended and your hands either palms facing down next to you or under your glutes. Tip: My preference is with the hands next to me. This will be your starting position.
  2. Bend your knees and pull your upper thighs into your midsection as you breathe out. Continue the motion until your knees are around chest level. Contract your abs as you execute this movement and hold for a second at the top. Tip: As you perform the motion, the lower legs (calves) should always remain parallel to the floor.
  3. Return to the starting position as you inhale.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Leg Pull-In work?

Leg Pull-In primarily targets the Abdominals. This makes it an effective strength exercise for building abdominals development.

Do I need equipment for the Leg Pull-In?

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

Is the Leg Pull-In suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Leg Pull-In is a beginner-friendly exercise. Focus on proper form before adding weight or intensity. It's a great movement to include early in your training.

Is the Leg Pull-In a compound or isolation exercise?

The Leg Pull-In is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously. Compound movements are efficient for building overall strength and are typically performed earlier in a workout when you have the most energy.

How many sets and reps should I do for the Leg Pull-In?

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 Leg Pull-In?

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 Leg Pull-In — 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.

Get Another One