Alternating Cross-Arm Leg Lift
Work your core & improve balance! Twist & lift for a full-body workout. Simple, effective, & no equipment needed.
The Alternating Cross-Arm Leg Lift mainly works the core, with help from the quads. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Alternating Cross-Arm Leg Lift Muscles Worked
Primary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Obliques
Secondary
Hip Flexor (iliopsoas); Quads (quadriceps femoris)
Alternating Cross-Arm Leg Lift Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Alternating Cross-Arm Leg Lift
Starting Position:
Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
Keep your arms crossed over your chest, with your elbows bent and hands resting on your shoulders.
Movement:
Begin by lifting your right knee towards your chest while simultaneously keeping your left foot grounded.
As you lift your knee, twist your upper body slightly to the right.
Lower your right knee back down to the starting position.
Repeat the movement with your left knee, lifting it towards your chest and twisting your upper body to the left.
Repetitions:
Aim for 10-15 repetitions on each leg, alternating back and forth.
Form Tips:
Keep your core engaged throughout the exercise.
Maintain an upright posture, avoiding leaning forward or backward.
Move in a controlled manner to maintain balance.
Breathing:
Inhale as you lift your knee and twist your body.
Exhale when you return to the starting position.
Progressions:
To make the exercise more challenging, incorporate a small hop as you lift your knee, adding a plyometric element to the movement.
Alternating Cross-Arm Leg Lift FAQs
What muscles does the Alternating Cross-Arm Leg Lift work?
The Alternating Cross-Arm Leg Lift mainly works the core, with help from the quads. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and obliques.
What equipment do you need for the Alternating Cross-Arm Leg Lift?
None. The Alternating Cross-Arm Leg Lift is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
What workout day should the Alternating Cross-Arm Leg Lift go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Alternating Cross-Arm Leg Lift variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Alternating High-Knee Turn Sky Reach, Alternating Side Knee Raise Reach, Alternating Double Hand Leg Lift Crunch and Alternating Arm Circles Leg Lift.
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