Criss cross leg raises

Category

Core

Difficulty

Intermediate

Equipment

Bodyweight

Primary muscles

Rectus Abdominis, Obliques, Iliopsoas

Secondary muscles

Quadriceps Femoris

How to do it

1. Begin by lying flat on your back with your legs extended straight out and your arms resting by your sides or under your lower back for support. Engage your core and lift both legs slightly off the floor.
2. Start crisscrossing your legs in a scissor motion, crossing your right leg over your left and then your left leg over your right.
3. Gradually move your legs upward while continuing to crisscross until they form a 45-degree angle with your torso. Then, lower them back down to just above the floor, maintaining the crisscross motion throughout.
4. Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions.

Form tips

• Keep your core engaged throughout the exercise to maintain stability and support your lower back.
• Focus on using your leg muscles to control the movement, keeping your legs straight and performing the crisscross motion smoothly.
• Ensure your lower back remains pressed into the floor to avoid unnecessary strain.
• Breathe steadily throughout the exercise, exhaling as you move your legs upward and inhaling as you lower them.