Vertical Leg Raise
Strengthen your core with Vertical Leg Raises! This exercise targets your abs for a stronger, fitter you.
The Vertical Leg Raise is a compound exercise that mainly works the core. You'll need: dip bars or high parallel bars.
Required Equipment
Vertical Leg Raise Muscles Worked
Primary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis)
Secondary
Hip Flexor (iliopsoas)
Vertical Leg Raise Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Vertical Leg Raise
Position yourself between the parallel bars, gripping them with your hands.
Press down on the bars to lift your body, so you are supported by your arms with your legs hanging straight down.
Brace your core and keep your back straight. Avoid swinging to use momentum.
Slowly raise your legs up in front of you, keeping them straight and together, until they are approximately parallel with the floor.
Pause briefly at the top of this motion.
Slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position in a controlled manner.
Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions and sets.
Note: Focus on using your abdominal muscles to lift your legs, not swinging or using momentum. For beginners or those who find it difficult to keep legs straight, knees may be bent slightly. It's important to perform the exercise with proper form to avoid back strain and to target the abdominal muscles effectively.
Vertical Leg Raise FAQs
What muscles does the Vertical Leg Raise work?
The Vertical Leg Raise mainly works the core. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis.
What equipment do you need for the Vertical Leg Raise?
Dip bars or high parallel bars.
Is the Vertical Leg Raise a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What are some Vertical Leg Raise variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Hanging Parallel-Bar Oblique Knee Raise, Hanging Knee Raise, Hanging Straight-Leg Hip Raise and Hanging Leg Raise.
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