Seated Leg Lift

Beginners and persons with lower back pain should avoid this exercise.

Sit on the floor, both legs extended out in front, with a straight back, however lean slightly backwards.

Place your fingers on the floor, on the outside of your hips, to aid your balance, avoid pushing down on your hands when performing the exercise.

Exhale and contract your quadriceps (thigh muscles), whilst using your lower abs to lift both your legs off the floor in a smooth controlled manner, aiming to keep your legs straight, feet pointing upwards.

Concentrate on lifting the legs as high as comfortable possible, whilst keeping the legs and back straight.

Inhale and slowly lower under control either back to the floor, intermediates or keeping the feet off the floor to maintain the contraction throughout the muscles for advanced.

Intermediates should aim for 2 - 3 sets of 10+ slow steady reps.

Advanced aim for the above, however aim to hold in the final phase for 1 - 2 seconds.

Never force yourself to finish the desired amount of reps, by sacrificing poor technique or risk of injury. If you find the exercise, lower your feet to the floor for all the reps, or alternatively keep a slight bend in the legs, aiming to progress the exercise at your own level.