How to do a hanging leg raises? Jump on the best pull up bar or best multi-gym and lift your legs up repeatedly. Easy, right? Wrong. There are so many ways to do hanging leg raises wrong but should you do it right, it will get you a six pack and even improve grip strength, as well as shoulder and back definition.
Hanging leg raises are among the most potent exercises you should include in the best core workout. This one move will train your abs, core, biceps and make you stronger in general. However – like this 15-minute six-pack home workout – it won't be easy.
• Ab Carver Pro review: a meaty six pack machine for both beginners and ab workout pros
There is a saying: abs are made in the gym and revealed in the kitchen, and we couldn't agree more. You can bend over backwards and do all the crunches in the gym to get a six pack, but until you eat right and lose belly fat, all your abs will be tucked away nicely under that tyre you call your abdominal area.
People also say everyone have abs and this is also true, to some degree. There is a huge difference between abs and having a six pack of abs. Everyone has the former, it makes you able to sit up in bed. The latter, though, is pretty hard work to get and if you want abs fast, you'll need to do the right exercises and get your dieting game right, let it be keto diet or intermittent fasting.
- How to get a six pack
- Best abs exercises for beginners
- Best yoga workout for abs
- Best abs exercises more effective than crunches
If you want to have a six pack fast, stop frequenting the ab crunch machine or that weird core-twist machine thing which looks like a torture device from the mid 1600s. Instead, try doing compound exercises that can be a part of a full body workout. These exercises use multiple muscles and they are great to improve strength, build muscle and to burn fat too.
• How to plank: the best plank variations to strengthen your core, back, shoulders and more
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
For the best six pack results, you want exercises where you can move naturally and more often than not, these exercises are the ones where you don't need to use machines – although for being able to do hanging leg raises, you will need something high enough off the ground to hang from with your feet off the ground.
How to do a hanging leg raises
Important: Always make sure you are hanging from a stable bar before you perform hanging leg raises, especially if you are working out at home. Once your legs are up in the air, you will be in a vulnerable position and can hurt your back if you fall.
First you will need to 'hang' from something – a frame being the obvious thing or you may be able to use a pull-up bar. Then you will need to 'raise' your 'legs'. Now you can see where the name 'hanging leg raise' comes from, right? You lift your legs right up in front of you.
Start off by doing bent-knee leg raises then slowly introduce straight leg reps over a period of weeks or months as you get stronger and more confident. Make sure your core is engaged all the way through the movement and lift your legs slowly. Once mastered, you can try and lift some weight with your legs or try using resistance bands – although using only your bodyweight is challenging enough. Form is more important than weight, so concentrate on performing the hanging leg raises correctly, all throughout the movement.
- 3 plank mistakes you're making (and how to fix them)
- Best kettlebell abs workout: mainly for women to get a flat stomach but also great for guys
- Hardstyle plank: try this plank variation for quicker summer body six-pack gains
- How to do crunches: sit up variations for a killer abs workout
Before you try hanging leg raises, it's best to loosen up your hamstrings a bit. Get a foam roller and an exercise resistance band and tend to your hammies so they are a bit more mobile.
- Get bigger calves for bigger legs: THE best calf exercise tips revealed
- Get bigger shoulders, get bigger arms. THIS golden rule will help you nail it
- Best ab rollers for a killer ab workout
Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.
-
Why wait for Black Friday? This massive 75-inch Samsung 4K TV is under $550 right now
The monstrous Samsung DU6950 has more than 26% off in an early Black Friday deal
By Rik Henderson Published
-
I tried Bowers & Wilkins' new Pro wireless speaker – is it a big upgrade?
The 2024 Zeppelin Pro is a subtle upgrade of the 2021 model, but remains an astonishing wireless speaker nonetheless – and I want one in the Solar Gold finish
By Mike Lowe Published
-
This single exercise drastically strengthened my core – but it’s not what you think it is
There's no lying down involved and it's not your typical core exercise either
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Can feeler sets help you lift more weight in the gym?
This warm-up technique could make all the difference between a 'good' and 'bad' workout
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Last updated
-
Jefferson curls: the unusual exercise to strengthen your lower back and core muscles
Are you doing these in your warm-ups and cool-downs?
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
4 Elite athletes share their best advice to prepare for a HYROX
Because who better to get some words of wisdom from than the pros themselves, right?
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Skip the sit-ups – these 7 standing core exercises actually build midsection muscle
These PT-approved exercises boost core strength and improve posture, for healthier movement
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
R.A.D® walks into the wild side with adventure-ready apparel
The collection is made with Polartec Thermal Pro, to keep you warm without weighing you down
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Ditch the gym – the FOLD Reformer turns your home into a fully-fledged Pilates studio!
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Three types of front squats and their unique benefits
Want to build killer quads? The front squat can get you there
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published