Yin Yang Leg Lift
Improve balance & core strength with the Yin Yang Leg Lift! A mindful exercise to center your body and build stability.
The Yin Yang Leg Lift mainly works the core and back, with help from the hip abductors (outer thighs). No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Yin Yang Leg Lift Muscles Worked
Primary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Lats (latissimus dorsi)
Secondary
Obliques; Hip Abductor (gluteus medius)
Yin Yang Leg Lift Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Yin Yang Leg Lift
Stand straight with your feet together, arms by your sides and your gaze forward.
Shift your weight onto your left leg, keeping it slightly bent to maintain balance.
Engage your core and slowly lift your right leg, bending at the knee to bring it up towards your chest as high as comfortably possible.
Simultaneously, raise your left arm straight above your head while your right arm stays extended out to the side. This resembles the Yin Yang symbol with one side up and one side level.
Hold this lifted position for a couple of seconds, focusing on balance and stability.
Slowly lower your right leg back to the starting position while bringing your left arm down to your side.
Repeat the same movement on the opposite leg, lifting the left leg and right arm this time.
Alternate between legs for the desired number of repetitions and sets.
Ensure to keep your movements controlled and avoid leaning too far forward or backward. The key is to maintain an upright torso and engage your core throughout the exercise for better balance and muscle activation.
---
Yin Yang Leg Lift FAQs
What muscles does the Yin Yang Leg Lift work?
The Yin Yang Leg Lift mainly works the core and back, with help from the hip abductors (outer thighs). The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and latissimus dorsi.
What equipment do you need for the Yin Yang Leg Lift?
None. The Yin Yang Leg Lift is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
What workout day should the Yin Yang Leg Lift go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Yin Yang Leg Lift variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Double Front-Leg Punch Lift, Side Arm Pendulum Leg Raise, Alternating Standing Lat Pulldown Leg Lift and Alternating Arm Circles Leg Lift.
Training calculators
Work out the numbers behind your training before your next session.