Leg Raise

Equipment - Mat
Area: Stomach
Muscle Group: Abdominals

• Lie on your back on a cushioned surface with your knees bent and feet sitting comfortably on the floor
• Place your hands, palms down, under the buttocks to stabilise your pelvis and prevent arching of the lower back
• Extend the legs up, so your feet are directly above the hips - this is the start position
• Draw your belly button towards your spine, press your hands into the mat whilst pushing your pelvis straight up
• Allow your feet to fall just behind the hip line towards your upper body
• Exhale as you lift
• Inhale while lowering your pelvis, under control, back to the start position
• Ensure your feet return directly above the hips
• The harder alternative is to lower the legs slightly, taking the feet forward of the hips - If this is attempted, take caution to stabilise your pelvis and keep your lower back flat