Leg raises on an incline bench

The abs begin to engage when you tilt your pelvis upward. You can perform an easier variation by simply pulling your knees toward your chest, but this will result in less engagement of the abs. Alternatively, you can refrain from lowering your legs and instead lift your pelvis up, then press it against the bench.

Nuances and mistakes

1. At the top position, you can either lift your pelvis upward or curl your legs over your head. Choose the variation where you feel your abs the most. For beginners, it is perfectly acceptable to keep the pelvis in place.

2. Your legs should be slightly bent. Significantly bent legs make the exercise easier, but you shouldn't fully straighten your legs either.

3. If you lift your pelvis at the top position, the entire core will engage, not just the lower part. However, if it feels too difficult, you can start without lifting your pelvis.

4. If you want your abs to work harder, don’t fully extend your legs at the bottom; keep them slightly bent at all times.

5. You can also hold the lifted pelvis for one second after raising it, or perform a few small pulses.

6. If you do not fully lower your legs, it will keep your abs under constant tension, allowing you to work them harder.