Leg Pull-In

A bodyweight core exercise performed lying down where the lifter pulls their knees toward the chest to engage the abdominal muscles.
Instructions
- Lie flat on an exercise mat with your legs extended and your hands positioned either palms-down next to your body or tucked under your glutes for stability.
- Contract your core and bend your knees, pulling your upper thighs toward your midsection as you exhale.
- Continue the motion until your knees are approximately at chest level, squeezing your abs hard at the top of the movement.
- Keep your lower legs (calves) parallel to the floor throughout the entire movement.
- Hold the top position briefly while maintaining abdominal contraction.
- Return to the starting position with control as you inhale.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Tips
- Keep the lower legs parallel to the floor to maximize abdominal engagement
- Move slowly and deliberately, avoiding momentum
- Place hands next to your body for easier balance adjustment
- Tuck hands under glutes for added support if needed
- Maintain constant tension on the abs throughout the movement
- Keep your neck neutral and avoid pulling your head forward
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 | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 15 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 18 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 25 reps |
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