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Hanging leg raise

A hanging abdominal exercise that lifts the legs while controlling the pelvis. Begin with bent knees if straight legs cause swinging or loss of shoulder control.

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At a glance

EquipmentBodyweight / calisthenics
Experience levelIntermediate
Movement patternTrunk flexion
Primary muscleAbs
Also worksHip Flexors, Forearm Flexors
Hanging leg raise: Exercise illustration (start) Hanging leg raise: Exercise illustration (peak)
Exercise data by RepDB (repdb.co).

The movement, step by step.

  1. Grip a secure overhead bar and settle into a comfortable supported hang.
  2. Brace the trunk and stop any initial swing.
  3. Raise the legs through a controlled range, bending the knees if needed.
  4. Lower slowly and reset the body before the next repetition.

Technique cues

  • Keep the grip secure.
  • Use the range you can control.
  • End the set before grip fatigue changes the movement.

Common mistakes

  • Kipping the legs upward.
  • Dropping the legs quickly into another swing.

Watch & learn

Professional demonstrations, opened on YouTube.

Alternatives

Log it in One Fitness Hub

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Educational guidance, not an individual training prescription. Start with a manageable load, work within a comfortable range, and stop if a movement causes pain. Ask a qualified coach for help with an unfamiliar setup. Practice the technique before increasing load. Repetitions and working weight depend on your goals, experience, and individual needs.

Know the movement. Log the work.

Log every set, see your estimated one-rep max and keep the guide one tap away.