Incline bench leg raise or simply incline leg raise, aside from sit ups and crunches, is one of the most popular exercises for those looking to train their abdominals. It is an alternative form of lying leg raise that helps in increasing your upper body strength by putting more stress on your abdominal and chest muscles than the typical flat bench leg raise.
Incline Bench Leg Raise Benefits
It helps in toning, tightening, and defining your midsection.
It not just targets your rectus abdominis but also strengthens and stabilizes the hip flexors.
Straightening the knees increases resistance and thus dynamically involves your abdominal muscles.
Lie supine on an incline bench, positioned at an angle of 45 degrees, with your torso elevated. Use your hands to grab the sides of the bench or the feet rollers for support.
Keeping your knees straight, extend your legs so that they are parallel to the floor. It is your starting position.
Lift your legs up by flexing your hips as far as you can.
When your hips are fully flexed, pause for a second and then return to the original position by slowly lowering the legs.
Repeat the above steps for the recommended number of reps.
Exercise Tips
Do not touch the bench while performing the movement.
For added intensity, hold a dumbbell between the feet.