How to do Seated Leg Raise to Exercise Abs Muscles

Written by Nash Trout on May 1st, 2007 in Build Muscle, Workout, Exercise, Strength Training, Abs Workout.

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Seated leg raise gives an overall workout for the abs. It exercises the both the main abs muscles (rectus abdominis) and the obliques - the abs muscles that passes obliquely downward from the rib cage to the pelvic bone. The obliques are also known as “love handles” to those of us who have packed a few pounds around the middle.

The rectus abdominis is only one large muscle, but can be described to consist of upper and lower abs. As the crunch or sit-up primarily exercises your upper abs, seated leg raise is great for exercising primarily the lower part of the abs. Seated leg raise also workouts secondarily your butt and hip flexors.

Proper Execution of Seated Leg Raise:

1. Keeping your knees slightly bent, extend your legs and raise them a few inches off the floor.

2. While bringing your body to an upright position, slowly pull your knees in to your chest as far as you can without losing your balance.

3. Hold for a second, then simultaneously return your upper body and legs to the starting position, keeping your back straight as you go.

A video speaks a “trillion” words Below is a workout video by Bodybuilder Frank Sepe, demonstrating how to properly do the seated leg raise.