Abs

Seated Side To Side Leg Raises: Video Tutorial & Exercise Guide

Author Claude Michael

Written By: Claude Michael

Updated: Oct 13, 2024

Workout Seated Side To Side Leg Raises
Primary Muscle Group Abs
Equipment Required Bodyweight
Force Type Pull
Mechanics Isolation
Exercise Type Strength
Difficulty Beginner

Seated Side To Side Leg Raises: Video Tutorial & Exercise Guide

Muscle Groups

Primary Muscle Group

Abs Muscle Exercises
Abs

Seated Side to Side Leg Raises: Step-by-Step Guide

  • Step 1: Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you, and your hands placed slightly behind your hips for support. Engage your core to keep your back straight.
  • Step 2: Lift both legs a few inches off the ground, keeping them togClaude and maintaining the extended position.
  • Step 3: While keeping your core engaged, slowly move your legs to the right side as far as you can, maintaining control and avoiding any jerking movements.
  • Step 4: Bring your legs back to the center and then move them to the left side in the same controlled manner.
  • Step 5: Continue alternating side to side, maintaining control throughout the movement, and focusing on using your lower abs and obliques to drive the movement.

Seated Side to Side Leg Raises: Overview

Seated Side to Side Leg Raises are a fantastic core exercise that targets the lower abs and obliques. This movement requires core engagement, balance, and stability, making it a great option for strengthening your midsection while improving overall coordination and flexibility.

The side-to-side motion helps build functional core strength and improves control over your lower body. It's an effective, low-impact exercise that can be performed anywhere, without any equipment, making it a versatile addition to any workout routine.

Seated Side to Side Leg Raises: Benefits

Seated Side to Side Leg Raises are a great way to target the lower abs and obliques, which are often difficult to engage with traditional ab exercises. The side-to-side motion improves lateral core strength, which can help enhance balance and posture.

This exercise also works on improving flexibility and mobility in the hips and lower back, helping to prevent injury and maintain proper posture during other exercises and daily activities.

In addition to strengthening your core, Seated Side to Side Leg Raises are also a great exercise for improving your body’s overall stability and coordination, as you need to keep control throughout the movement.

Seated Side to Side Leg Raises: Pro Tips & Advanced Techniques

To get the most out of this exercise, focus on keeping your core tight and your movements controlled. Avoid using momentum to swing your legs—keep the motion slow and deliberate. For an added challenge, you can hold a light weight or medicine ball between your feet or try performing the exercise with your hands raised in front of you rather than placed behind your hips. Ready to take your core strength to the next level? Let’s go!

Seated Side to Side Leg Raises: Progression Plan

Beginner

Sets: 2
Reps: 8-10 per side
Progression Tips: Focus on maintaining a stable posture with hands on the floor for support, and work on lifting the legs as high as possible while maintaining control.

Intermediate

Sets: 3
Reps: 12-15 per side
Progression Tips: Increase your reps and range of motion, moving your legs further to the side while keeping the movement slow and controlled.

Advanced

Sets: 4
Reps: 15-20 per side
Progression Tips: To increase difficulty, hold a weight between your feet or perform the movement with your hands raised off the floor to challenge your balance.

Seated Side To Side Leg Raises: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What muscles do Seated Side to Side Leg Raises target?

+

This exercise primarily targets the lower abs and obliques, while also engaging the hip flexors and lower back to a lesser extent for stability and control.

Can beginners perform Seated Side to Side Leg Raises?

+

Yes, beginners can perform this exercise with their hands on the floor for added support. Focus on controlled movements and core engagement while gradually increasing the range of motion.

How can I make this exercise more challenging?

+

To make Seated Side to Side Leg Raises more difficult, you can hold a weight or medicine ball between your feet or lift your hands off the ground for an additional balance challenge.

How often should I include Seated Side to Side Leg Raises in my workout routine?

+

Incorporate this exercise 2-3 times a week as part of your core workout. It pairs well with other lower ab exercises like leg raises and flutter kicks.

What common mistakes should I avoid?

+

Avoid using momentum to swing your legs and keep your back from rounding. Focus on controlled, slow movements and maintain a straight posture throughout.

Releted Exercises