1. Home
  2. Exercises
  3. Hanging leg raise
Abs

Hanging leg raise: how to do it right

Hanging from a bar, you raise your legs towards your chest. It's one of the most demanding ab exercises.

Main muscle
Abs
Also works
Hip flexors, Forearms
Equipment
Pull-up bar
Level
Advanced
Hanging leg raise: start position
Start position
Hanging leg raise: end position
End position

Step by step

  1. Hang from a bar with straight arms and your body still.
  2. Raise your legs, bent or straight, towards your chest, rounding your lower back.
  3. Lift until your thighs pass horizontal.
  4. Lower slowly, without swinging.

Tip: If it's hard, start with bent knees or on a captain's chair with your forearms supported.

Common mistakes

Swinging

Momentum does the work. Start every rep still.

Lifting only from the hips

For your abs to work, round your back at the end.

Dropping your legs

Control the lowering.

Sets and reps

Guide ranges. Start with a weight where the last rep is hard but your technique holds.

GoalSetsRepsRest
Strength3–46–101.5 min
Solid core38–151 min
Beginner2–35–10 with bent knees1 min

In GymOrbita you log every set and the app suggests the weight for your next session based on what you did last time.

Alternatives

If the machine is busy or you want a variation:

FAQ

Bent or straight legs?

Bent is easier; straight, harder. Start bent and gradually straighten them.

General technique information, not a substitute for professional advice. If you have an injury or pain, check with a doctor or physiotherapist first.

Add hanging leg raise to your routine

GymOrbita has this exercise with its animation: log the weight and reps of every set and track your progress. Free.