Front Leg Raises

A dynamic stretching exercise performed standing with support, where one leg swings forward and backward to increase hip mobility and warm up the hip joint.
Instructions
- Stand next to a sturdy support such as a chair, wall, or barre, holding on with one hand for balance.
- Keep your standing leg straight and engaged throughout the movement.
- Lift your free leg slightly off the ground to establish your starting position.
- Swing your free leg forward with control, keeping your leg straight or with a slight knee bend.
- Continue the forward swing until you reach a comfortable height, typically up to hip or chest level.
- Reverse the motion and swing your leg backward, extending behind your body.
- Allow gravity and momentum to guide the movement; perform controlled swings with fluid motion.
- Complete your prescribed repetitions, then switch sides and repeat with the opposite leg.
Tips
- This is a dynamic stretch best performed when muscles are warm, typically after your warm-up.
- Keep your standing leg locked to maintain stability and proper alignment.
- Allow the swinging leg to move through a full range of motion without forcing the stretch.
- Perform the swings with a rhythmic, controlled motion to avoid jerky movements.
- Gradually increase your range of motion as your flexibility improves over time.
- This exercise improves hip mobility and prepares your body for training.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Hold |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 25 s |
| Build muscle | 3 | 40 s |
| Build endurance | 3 | 1 min |