Lying Alternating Leg Raises certainly are a very good exercise to sculpt your stomach. Would you like to acquire a good technique and shape your Rectus Abdominis? You’ll want to try our guide to help you begin straight away.
- Lying Alternating Leg Raises Summary
- Lying Alternating Leg Raises Instructions
- Video Tutorial
- Lying Alternating Leg Raises Muscles
- Benefits of Lying Alternating Leg Raises
- Tips for Performing Lying Alternating Leg Raises
- Benefits and Tips Video
- Frequent Mistakes To Avoid
- Variations and Complementary Exercises
- Opposing Complementary Exercises
- Recap
Lying Alternating Leg Raises Summary
- Primary Muscles: Rectus Abdominis
- Secondary Muscles: Adductor Brevis, Adductor Longus, Iliopsoas (Psoas Major & Iliacus), Obliques, Pectineus, Rectus Femoris, Sartorius, and Tensor Fasciae Latae
- Equipment: Body Weight
- Mechanics Type: Compound
- Force: Pull
- Utility: Basic
Lying Alternating Leg Raises Instructions
- Commence this exercise by lying flat on your back, your hands at your side, and your feet slightly off the ground.
- Then lift one leg so it is vertical, keeping both legs straight.
- Now lift your other leg vertically while lowering your first leg back close to the ground.
- Continue to alternate each leg up and down every rep for a set of 15-30 reps.
Video Tutorial
Lying Alternating Leg Raises Muscles
Target (Agonist)
- Rectus Abdominis
Synergists
- Adductor Brevis
- Adductor Longus
- Iliopsoas (Psoas Major & Iliacus)
- Obliques
- Pectineus
- Rectus Femoris
- Sartorius
- Tensor Fasciae Latae
Dynamic Stabilizers
- Rectus Femoris
Stabilizers
- Quadriceps
Antagonist Stabilizers
- None

Benefits of Lying Alternating Leg Raises
Performing the exercise Lying Alternating Leg Raises helps to target and strengthen the Rectus Abdominis muscle. This muscle, commonly referred to as the “abs” muscle, is important for maintaining proper posture and balance and helps to support the spine. When this muscle is strengthened, it can help with improved performance in activities that require balance and stability, such as running and jumping. In addition, strengthening the Rectus Abdominis can help reduce back pain and improve overall core strength. Therefore, performing the exercise Lying Alternating Leg Raises can be a great way to incorporate strength training into your fitness routine and benefit your health in multiple ways.
Tips for Performing Lying Alternating Leg Raises
If you’re seeking to take the lying alternating leg raises to a new level, then you’re at the right place. Using these suggestions will allow you to maximize the advantages of this beautiful workout. You will shape your abs muscles, and even reduce your risk of experiencing an injury. Let’s get started and look at what these tips can accomplish for you.
- Focus on Proper Form: Make sure your back is flat against the ground, and that your legs are raised in a straight line. This will help you activate your core muscles and get the most out of the exercise.
- Control Your Movement: Try to keep your movement slow and controlled to maximize the benefits of this exercise. The slower you move, the more muscles you will engage, allowing you to get the most out of your workout.
- Engage Your Core: Make sure to keep your core engaged throughout the entire movement. This will help you increase strength and stability, allowing you to get even more out of this exercise.
Benefits and Tips Video
Frequent Mistakes To Avoid
Avoiding common errors can be the distinction between a productive training session and a painful injury when executing lying alternating leg raises. Moreover, getting the most out of the exercise requires proper technique, and avoiding make any typical errors can allow you to perform the exercise correctly and obtain your desired results. But relax, it’s not as challenging as it might seem. By knowing the errors to avoid and taking the appropriate actions, you may complete the activity securely and effectively. So it is time for you to optimize the impact of this exercise and enjoy the benefits of a successful workout.
- Not keeping the core engaged: When performing lying alternating leg raises, it is important to keep the core engaged in order to get the most out of the exercise. Without engaging the core, you risk not working the right muscles and missing out on the full benefits of the exercise.
- Going too fast: When performing lying alternating leg raises, it is important to keep your movements slow and controlled in order to ensure that you are engaging the right muscles and doing the exercise correctly. Going too fast can cause you to use momentum instead of muscle power, resulting in an ineffective workout.
- Not paying attention to form: Paying attention to form is an essential part of any exercise, and lying alternating leg raises are no exception. Being mindful of your posture and form will help you maximize the effectiveness of the exercise and reduce your risk of injury.
Variations and Complementary Exercises
There are several variations and complementary exercises that can be done to target the same muscles as the Lying Alternating Leg Raises. These exercises include:

Lever Lying Crunch (Machine): The Lever Lying Crunch (Machine) is an excellent complementary or alternative exercise for the exercise Lying Alternating Leg Raises. It works the same muscles as Lying Alternating Leg Raises, but it also targets the lower abdominal muscles. It involves lying on your back with your feet placed on the lever machine and using your lower abdominal muscles to crunch up and down. This exercise helps to improve core strength, balance and flexibility, which can help prevent injury and improve performance in other exercises. The Lever Lying Crunch (Machine) is a great way to add variety to your workout routine and target the same muscles as Lying Alternating Leg Raises.

Legs Up Crunch: Legs Up Crunch is a great complementary exercise to the Lying Alternating Leg Raises. It works the same muscles used in Lying Alternating Leg Raises, but with a different form. Legs Up Crunch involves lying on the floor with your legs up in the air and doing a crunch motion with your upper body. This exercise can be used as an alternative to Lying Alternating Leg Raises when you need to switch up your routine or if you need to add more intensity to your workout. It is also a great way to mix up your ab workout and keep your body guessing.

Leg Raise Hip Lift: The leg raise hip lift is a great complement to the lying alternating leg raises exercise. This exercise targets the lower abdominal muscles and the hip flexors in a similar fashion as the lying alternating leg raises, but works them in a different plane of motion. To perform this exercise, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Raise your hips off the ground and then slowly lower them back to the starting position. The leg raise hip lift is a great alternative to the lying alternating leg raises because it provides an additional challenge to the core muscles and helps to build strength and stability.
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Knees Up Crunch: Knees Up Crunch is a great complementary or alternative exercise to Lying Alternating Leg Raises. This exercise targets the same core muscles as the Lying Alternating Leg Raises, but in a more dynamic way. With this exercise, you lie on your back and bring your knees up towards your chest while simultaneously crunching your upper body. This exercise can also be modified by adding a medicine ball or resistance band for more intensity. It is an effective way to work on your core strength and stability, while also getting a good cardio workout.

Jack Split Crunch: Jack Split Crunch is an excellent complementary exercise to Lying Alternating Leg Raises. Jack Split Crunch is a full-body exercise that targets the entire core, focusing on the lower abdominals, obliques, and hip flexors. It involves lying on your back with your legs slightly bent and your feet together. You then lift your shoulders off the ground and reach your hands towards your feet. This exercise is a great alternative to Lying Alternating Leg Raises because it works the same muscles but in a different way. It is also beneficial for those who have lower back problems because it reduces the pressure on the spine while still providing a challenging workout.

Jack Plank: Jack Plank is an excellent complementary or alternative exercise to Lying Alternating Leg Raises. It works the core muscles and strengthens the abdominal muscles, helping to improve posture. With Jack Plank, the participant lies on their stomach with their arms extended out in front of them, legs extended behind them, and then lifts their arms and legs off the ground while keeping their body straight. This works the core muscles and strengthens the abdominal muscles while also engaging the glutes and hamstrings. Unlike Lying Alternating Leg Raises, Jack Plank allows participants to stay in a stationary position while still providing an effective workout.
Opposing Complementary Exercises
In order to maximize the benefits of Lying Alternating Leg Raises, you should also incorporate some exercises that work opposing muscle groups. Doing so will help strengthen and balance your body, allowing you to perform the exercise with greater ease and efficiency. Here are some exercises that complement the Lying Alternating Leg Raises:

Resistance Band Hip Extensions: Resistance band hip extensions are an effective way to strengthen the glutes and hamstrings, which are the opposing muscle group to the rectus abdominis (the muscle used in lying alternating leg raises). This exercise involves lying on your back with a resistance band looped around your feet, and then extending your legs away from you while keeping your hips and back on the floor. This exercise not only strengthens the glutes and hamstrings, but also increases core stability and helps to prevent lower back injuries. Resistance band hip extensions can be used to complement lying alternating leg raises, as they work the opposite muscle group and will help improve overall muscular balance in the lower body.

45 Degree Hyperextension: The 45 Degree Hyperextension is a great exercise to complement the Lying Alternating Leg Raises, as it utilizes the opposing muscle group. This exercise strengthens the lower back and helps build stability in the core muscles, which is essential for performing the leg raises. The hyperextension focuses on the erector spinae, which runs along the spine, and works to extend the body at the hips. By engaging these muscles in a controlled and concentrated manner, the user will be able to stabilize their core and improve their strength and flexibility in the lower back.

Straight Leg Cable Pull Through: The Straight Leg Cable Pull Through is a great exercise to complement the Lying Alternating Leg Raises. This exercise focuses on the lower back and hamstrings, while the latter works on the abs and hip flexors. As the opposite muscle group is being used, both exercises can be incorporated into a workout to get a full body workout. This exercise can be done with the cable machine or by using a resistance band. The key is to keep the back straight and focus on using the legs to pull the weight or band back and forth. By doing this, you will be targeting the lower back and hamstrings, while also building strength and stability in those areas.
Recap
Lying Alternating Leg Raises are an excellent exercise to tone your abdominal muscles and improve your core strength. With careful execution and some dedication, you can reap the benefits of this exercise and be on your way to a stronger, healthier body! Just make sure to avoid the common mistakes when doing this exercise, such as arching your back or raising your legs too high. So, if you’re looking for a way to spice up your core routine, give the Lying Alternating Leg Raises a try! And if you’re looking for more great fitness tips, be sure to check out our other articles here on FitNish!
References: Wikipedia | ExRx.net | PubMed.gov