Hanging Leg Raise: how to do it and muscles worked

The hanging leg raise mainly works your abs and hip flexors. You need a pull-up bar.

Muscles worked

How to do the hanging leg raise

  1. 1

    Hang from a pull-up bar with an overhand grip, arms straight and legs together, with your shoulders pulled slightly down.

  2. 2

    Raise your straight legs up in front of you until they reach hip height or higher, tightening your abs as you go.

  3. 3

    Lower slowly without swinging, and keep your body steady. Breathe out as you raise and in as you lower.

Form tip: Do not swing your body; tuck your pelvis up slightly at the top so your abs do the work.

Common questions

Which muscles does the hanging leg raise work?
The hanging leg raise mainly works your abs and hip flexors.
What equipment do I need for the hanging leg raise?
You need a pull-up bar.
How many sets and reps should I do?
A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
How do I track the hanging leg raise in SweatByte?
Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.

More abs exercises

General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.

Hanging Leg Raise: how to do it and muscles worked · SweatByte