How to do a Twisted Leg Raise
The Twisted Leg Raise is a beginner bodyweight exercise that works your abs, with help from your obliques and hip flexors.
How to do a Twisted Leg Raise, step by step
- Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and your arms by your sides.
- Place your hands under your glutes for support.
- Engage your abs and lift both legs off the ground, keeping them straight.
- As you lift your legs, twist your hips to one side, bringing your legs towards your opposite shoulder.
- Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position.
- Repeat the movement, this time twisting your hips to the other side.
- Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles worked
| Target muscles | Abs |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Obliques Hip Flexors |
| Equipment | Bodyweight |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Common mistakes
- Using momentum to lift legs
- Not engaging core muscles
- Arching the lower back
Sets and reps by goal
| Goal | Sets x reps |
|---|---|
| Strength | 3-4 sets x 6-8 reps |
| Muscle growth | 3-4 sets x 10-15 reps |
| Endurance | 2-3 sets x 15-25 reps |
| Power | Not recommended |
Alternatives, progressions and regressions
Easier variation
Similar exercises
More exercises for the same muscles
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Twisted Leg Raise work?
The Twisted Leg Raise mainly works your abs. It also works your obliques and hip flexors.
Is the Twisted Leg Raise good for beginners?
Yes. The Twisted Leg Raise is a beginner-friendly exercise. Start with a light load or no load, learn the movement first and add weight gradually.
How many sets and reps of the Twisted Leg Raise should I do?
A good starting point is 3-4 sets x 6-8 reps for strength, 3-4 sets x 10-15 reps for muscle growth and 2-3 sets x 15-25 reps for endurance. Rest 1 to 3 minutes between sets and add weight when you reach the top of the rep range with good form.
What can I do instead of the Twisted Leg Raise?
Good alternatives are Hanging Leg Raise (Slings), Cross Body Crunch and Incline Side Plank.
Put it in a workout plan
Track your Twisted Leg Raise in UltraFit360
Log sets and reps, see your previous weights and let the app build your program. Free on iOS and Android.