The band lying straight leg raise is an abdominal exercise that also engages the hip flexors. It uses a resistance band to add difficulty and helps strengthen the core and lower body.
Also Works
Hip Flexors
How to Perform
1
Lie flat on your back with your legs straight and your feet together.
2
Place the band around the arches of your feet and hold the ends of the band with your hands.
3
Engaging your abs, lift both legs off the ground until they are perpendicular to the floor.
4
Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position.
5
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Pro Tips
•Keep your legs fully straight and raise them to 90 degrees while pressing your lower back flat against the floor.
•Lower your legs as slowly as possible, stopping before your lower back starts to arch off the ground.
•Hold the band ends firmly with your hands at your sides to add tension against the leg raise.
Common Mistakes
•Allowing the lower back to arch off the floor during the lowering phase, which strains the lumbar spine.
•Bending the knees as the legs descend due to insufficient hamstring flexibility or ab strength.
•Lowering the legs all the way to the floor when the abs cannot maintain a flat back position.