11. How to... straight leg raise

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The leg raise is a simple and effective exercise for improving your core strength, and it also brings considerable benefits for the strength and flexibility of your hips and lower back – vital for people who regularly spend long hours at a desk.

1. Start by lying down on the floor or a mat. Unfortunately, it gets tougher from here…..

2. Lay flat with your arms at your sides and legs stretched out next to each other, take a deep breath in followed by a breath out. As you exhale lift your legs, as shown.

3. If you can’t hold them perfectly rigid, keep your legs as straight as possible, and try to lift them until they’re pointing at the ceiling.

4. Pause for a second, then lower them back down, being careful to keep your movements measured. The return journey should be at the same pace at which you raised your legs. Lower them until they’re hovering just above the ground, and then raise them again.

3 sets of 10 reps, or simply do as many raises as you can. Keep your pace steady.

If this exercise is too challenging or causes discomfort, regress to a dead bug hold or crunch.

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Andy