Oblique Leg Raise (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
A suspension-based core exercise targeting the obliques through a lateral leg raise motion. Develops lateral core strength and hip flexor endurance.
Instructions
- Lie on your back with your feet in the TRX straps
- Support yourself with your hands and arms on the ground
- Lift both legs up and to one side, bringing them toward that shoulder
- Feel the oblique contraction on the side you’re lifting toward
- Lower your legs in a controlled manner
- Repeat on the opposite side
- Alternate sides for the prescribed number of reps
- Maintain contact with the ground for stability
Tips
- Your core must control the movement; avoid swinging your legs
- Keep the motion controlled and smooth
- The oblique muscles should feel the primary work
- You can increase difficulty by reducing upper body support
- Equal reps on both sides ensures balanced development
- Maintain steady breathing throughout
- Feel the contraction in your obliques and hip flexors
- The height of the leg raise should match your strength level
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 |