Lying leg-hip raise

The lying leg-hip raise is a highly effective exercise that targets the muscles of the lower body, particularly the glutes, hamstrings, and core. This exercise is commonly performed using a mat or a flat bench, making it suitable for both home and gym workouts. The main objective of the lying leg-hip raise is to strengthen and tone the muscles in the hips and legs while also enhancing stability in the core. During the lying leg-hip raise, you lie on your back with your legs extended and your arms resting on the floor or bench for support. By engaging your abdominal muscles and squeezing your glutes, you slowly lift your legs towards the ceiling while keeping them straight. The controlled movement requires you to use your lower body muscles to lift and lower your legs without any assistance from your arms. This exercise not only helps in strengthening the muscles but also improves stability and balance in the lower body. The engagement of the core muscles assists in maintaining proper form during the movement and prevents excessive strain on the lower back. Adding variations such as resistance bands or ankle weights can also increase the intensity of the exercise and further challenge the targeted muscles. To make the most out of your lying leg-hip raise, focus on maintaining a slow and controlled motion throughout the exercise. Aim for proper form and avoid using momentum to lift your legs. As with any exercise, it's important to listen to your body, start with a weight and intensity level that is comfortable for you, and gradually progress as you become stronger. Incorporating this exercise into your fitness routine can help you achieve a toned lower body and improve your overall strength and stability.

Instructions

• Lie down on your back on a yoga mat or on a bench.
• Place your hands by your sides, with palms facing down for support.
• Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the ground, hip-width apart.
• Engage your core by drawing your belly button towards your spine.
• Exhale and slowly lift both legs off the ground, while keeping them straight.
• Continue lifting your legs until they form a 90-degree angle with your body.
• Hold the raised position for a brief moment, focusing on keeping your core engaged.
• Inhale and slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position, maintaining control.
• Repeat the exercise for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips & Tricks

• Engage your core muscles throughout the exercise to maintain stability and prevent lower back strain.
• Focus on squeezing your glutes as you lift your hips off the ground for maximum activation.
• Control the movement to ensure proper form and prevent any swinging or jerking motions.
• Gradually increase the difficulty by adding resistance bands or ankle weights.
• Maintain a neutral spine position throughout the exercise by avoiding excessive arching or rounding of the lower back.
• Exhale as you lift your hips and inhale as you lower them back down to the ground.
• For added challenge, try performing the exercise on an unstable surface such as a stability ball.
• Perform the exercise in a slow and controlled manner to fully engage the muscles and maximize the benefits.
• Stretch your hip flexors regularly to improve flexibility and prevent muscle imbalances.
• To protect your neck, avoid straining or pulling with your neck muscles during the exercise.