Leg Raises
Overview
This exercise focuses on your lower abdominal muscles. Abs are a paired muscle that run vertically down your abdomen, from just below your pecs here, down to your pubic crest, here. Tendinous intersections cross your abs horizontally, which is what gives you the six or eight pack look. Abs are the anterior part of your core muscles, and help keep you upright.
Instructions
To begin, place your hands flat under your lower back or glutes. Keep your knees slightly bent as you left your feet slightly above the ground.
Exhale as you lift your legs up vertically, inhale as you lower them down slowly. Always lift faster on the contraction and slower on the release.
Tips
It’s common to think you should keep your legs straight, but this is a mistake. If you keep your legs perfectly straight, you put undue strain on your lower back. Bend slightly at the knees instead.I recommend 3 sets of 15 reps apiece, with a 45 second rest in between.
Leg raises are the perfect challenge for anyone trying to achieve six pack abs. I hope this video helps you meet that goal. Thanks for watching!
