Instructions for the Bent Leg Raise - Martial Arts Core Strength Exercise

This page provides details on how to perform a "Bent Leg Raise". This martial arts exercise focuses on your core strength. All stretches and exercises should be supervised by a trained instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized.

For additional exercises, please visit the main Strength Training section.

Instructions for Bent Leg Raise

• Lying on your back, place the fingers of both hands underneath the small of your back.
• Raise your feet off of the ground until both the hips and knees flex to 90 degrees.
• Holding your head two or three inches off the ground, contract your abdominal muscles as if preparing for a blow to the stomach.
• Straighten your legs out so your heels are a few inches off the ground. Hold this position (i.e. for 5-10 seconds).
• Then bring your legs back to the 90-degree position in order to rest momentary before repeating the leg straightening portion of the exercise.
• Repeat.

References

1. Information from Public Domain Document, Department of the Army FM 7-22, ARMY PHYSICAL READINESS TRAINING, http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/fm7_22.pdf, Added - 02/18/15