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Bent-Knee Hip Raise: starting position Bent-Knee Hip Raise: end position

Shoulder Raises · Abs

Bent-Knee Hip Raise

A shoulder raises exercise that works the abs. Beginner level, using bodyweight.

BeginnerBodyweightHomeParkGym

Muscles worked

PrimaryAbs

Lower rectus abdominis.

Setup and loading

No load, arms at your sides for support.

How to do the bent-knee hip raise step by step

  1. Lie down with your arms at your sides and your knees bent.
  2. Bring your knees toward your chest using your lower abs.
  3. Curl your pelvis until your hips lift off the floor.
  4. Lower slowly without fully resting your feet.

Form cues

  • Your pelvis curls back
  • Slow movement

Common mistakes

  • Swinging your legs for momentum
  • Arching your back on the way down
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Sets and reps for your goal

Hypertrophy

3-4 x 8-12 · rest 60-90 s

3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.

Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.

Max Strength

4-5 x 3-6 · rest 2-3 min

3-6 sets of 1-6 reps at 80-90% of your max (1RM). Rest 2 to 5 minutes.

Leave 1-3 reps in reserve. If your technique breaks down, lower the weight: strength is built with good reps.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

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Sports it suits

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Variations and similar exercises

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