Flat Bench Lying Leg Raise

What it is

This core exercise targets your abdominal muscles by having you lift your legs while lying on a flat bench. It primarily strengthens your lower core, using only your body weight. You'll focus on controlled movement to maximize muscle engagement and build abdominal strength.

Technique tips

• Keep your lower back pressed firmly into the bench surface.
• Control the movement on the way down; avoid letting legs drop.
• Exhale as you lift your legs; inhale slowly as you lower them.
• For support, place your hands under your glutes or grasp the bench sides.
• Maintain a slight bend in your knees throughout the entire lift.
• Focus on using your core to initiate the lift, not your hips.

How to track your progress

Log reps, and add the extra load if you wear a belt or a vest. Straddly counts your bodyweight in the estimated max, so added weight and extra reps both show up as progress, and new records are flagged during the session.