Why are leg raises so difficult?

The biggest challenge in doing leg raises comes from either weak core muscles, tight hip muscles, limited flexibility, or a combination of all three. With time and consistency with your training plan, leg raises will start feeling easier, so much so that you may start to look for more intermediate or advanced variations to do.

Are leg raises good for your abs?

While this exercise and its multiple variations are good for the core, it’s unlikely that they will be enough on their own to significantly develop the core. If you want to get that sought-after 6-pack, you need to do leg raises alongside other core exercises such as planks, dead bug, torso twists, bird dog, weighted wood chop, farmer carry, or cable pull-downs. You should also remember that the most important aspect of obtaining 6-pack abs is your body fat percentage. Without a low body fat percentage, the rectus abdominis won’t be as visible. In order to decrease your body fat percentage, you’ll need to make healthy eating choices that allow your body to be in a calorie deficit. When your body is in a calorie deficit, it will burn body fat to use as energy. This will ultimately make your total body fat decrease over time.

Are planks better than leg raises for abs?

Yes, they are – at least according to a study that was published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation in 2019. In this study, researchers looked at the muscles worked during planks and bilateral leg raises (aka lying leg raises). At the end of the study, they found planks to be better for activating the obliques, while leg raises were better for activating the rectus abdominis (i.e. the six-pack abs ( 10 ). If you want a well-rounded, strong core plus abs, we suggest including both planks and leg raises in your routine.

Do leg raises make your waist smaller?

Yes, leg raises can help make your waist smaller, but not on their own. The best results will come from a routine that combines leg raises with other core workouts, strength training exercises, cardio, and a healthy, calorie deficit diet.