Alternating Lying Straight-Leg Lift
Strengthen your core and glutes with Alternating Lying Straight-Leg Lifts! This exercise targets your lower body for a firmer, fitter you.
The Alternating Lying Straight-Leg Lift mainly works the glutes & hips and lower back, with help from the hamstrings and core. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Alternating Lying Straight-Leg Lift Muscles Worked
Primary
Glutes (gluteus maximus); Spinal Erectors (erector spinae)
Secondary
Hamstrings; Obliques
Alternating Lying Straight-Leg Lift Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Alternating Lying Straight-Leg Lift
Lying Alternate Straight Leg Lift
Positioning
Find a firm, flat surface such as an exercise mat or the floor.
Lie face down on your stomach with your legs extended straight behind you.
Keep your feet hip-width apart and your arms resting in front of you, or you can place your hands under your forehead for support.
Movement
Lift One Leg: Slowly raise your right leg off the ground while keeping it straight. Engage your glutes and core as you lift. Aim to raise it to about hip height.
Lower the Leg: Hold for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your right leg back to the starting position.
Alternate Legs: Repeat the movement with your left leg, lifting it straight up while keeping your hips and shoulders pressed to the ground.
Continue Alternating: Alternate lifting each leg in a controlled manner. Perform 10-15 repetitions for each leg, depending on your fitness level.
Breathing: Inhale as you prepare and exhale as you lift your leg. Breathe steadily throughout the exercise.
Tips
Keep your neck in a neutral position and avoid straining it; looking forward or gently down is ideal.
Focus on engaging your core muscles throughout the movement to maintain stability.
If you feel any discomfort in your back, consider reducing the height of your leg lift or taking breaks as needed.
Alternating Lying Straight-Leg Lift FAQs
What muscles does the Alternating Lying Straight-Leg Lift work?
The Alternating Lying Straight-Leg Lift mainly works the glutes & hips and lower back, with help from the hamstrings and core. The main muscles are the gluteus maximus and erector spinae.
What equipment do you need for the Alternating Lying Straight-Leg Lift?
None. The Alternating Lying Straight-Leg Lift is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
What workout day should the Alternating Lying Straight-Leg Lift go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Alternating Lying Straight-Leg Lift variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Alternating Leg Pull, Alternating Leg Lift Side-Plank, Alternating Leg Raise from Reverse Plank Position and Alternating Leg Raise with Head Up.
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