Overview
The leg raise on parallel bars are popular and very effective core exercise for intermediate and advanced athletes. They target the tension to the lower abdominals and the hip flexors.
Preparation
Position yourself in a vertical leg raise bench so that your forearms are on the padding and your arms are bent at a 90 degree angle. Your body should be in a vertical position with your lower back pressed against the pad of the machine and your legs hanging above you. This is the starting position.
Execution
As you breathe out raise your legs up until they are parallel to the floor or slightly above it and hold the contraction for a second. Than return your legs in controlled manner to the beginning of the movement as you breathe in.
Recommendations
- Do not use swinging movements to raise your legs if you cannot perform the exercise in a controlled motion perform the Knee leg raises on parallel bars.
- Hold your knees slightly flexed during the movement.
- Perform the negative part of the movement for twice longer time than the positive.