Appears in642 Workouts*

Criss-Cross Leg Raises

Sculpt your abs with Criss-Cross Leg Raises! Strengthen your core and improve stability with this effective exercise.

The Criss-Cross Leg Raises mainly works the core, with help from the hip adductors (inner thighs). No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Criss-Cross Leg Raises demo video 2
Ms. Grey
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Criss-Cross Leg Raises Muscles Worked

Primary

Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Deep Core (transverse abdominis)

Secondary

Obliques; Hip Adductors

How to do the Criss-Cross Leg Raises

  1. Start by lying flat on your back on a comfortable surface, with your arms extended by your sides for stability.

  2. Lift your legs off the ground, keeping them straight and bringing them up towards the ceiling.

  3. Once your legs are straight up, lower one leg down towards the ground as you cross it over the other.

  4. Stop just before the hovering leg touches the ground, then lift it back up as you uncross your legs.

  5. As the first leg goes up, lower the opposite leg down towards the ground, crossing it over the first leg.

  6. Continue alternating legs in this criss-crossing motion.

  7. Focus on keeping the movement controlled, using your core muscles to maintain stability.

  8. Breathe steadily throughout the exercise, exhaling as you lift your legs up and inhaling as you lower them down.

  9. Aim to complete a set number of repetitions or perform the exercise for a set duration of time.

  10. Rest between sets and maintain good form throughout the exercise.

---

Criss-Cross Leg Raises FAQs

What muscles does the Criss-Cross Leg Raises work?

The Criss-Cross Leg Raises mainly works the core, with help from the hip adductors (inner thighs). The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and transverse abdominis.

What equipment do you need for the Criss-Cross Leg Raises?

None. The Criss-Cross Leg Raises is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What are some Criss-Cross Leg Raises variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Alternating Leg Raise with Head Up, Alternating Leg-Cross Crunch, Bodyweight Rainbow Leg Raise and Criss-Cross Knee-Tuck.

Training calculators

Work out the numbers behind your training before your next session.