Exercise guide
Standing Single Front Leg Raise Chair Supported
- Beginner
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Lower legs
- Waist
This beginner-friendly isolation exercise targets the quadriceps and hip flexors while engaging the lower abdominals for stability. Using a chair for support allows for better focus on muscle contraction and balance.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Stand upright next to a sturdy chair, placing one hand on the backrest for balance.
- Position your feet hip-width apart with your toes pointing forward.
- Engage your core and maintain a tall posture with your shoulders pulled back and down.
How to do it
- Exhale as you lift one leg straight out in front of you, keeping the knee straight but not locked.
- Raise the leg until it is roughly parallel to the floor, or as high as you can go without leaning backward.
- Inhale as you slowly lower the leg back to the starting position with a controlled 2-second tempo.
- Perform all repetitions on one leg before switching to the other side.
Form checklist
- Keep your torso vertical; do not lean back to compensate for the leg height.
- Maintain a slight bend in the standing leg to protect the knee joint.
- Keep your hips square to the front throughout the entire movement.
- Ensure the movement is driven by the hip and thigh, not by swinging the leg.
Pro tips
- Flex your foot (toes toward the shin) to increase tension in the quadriceps and hip flexors.
- Focus on a hard squeeze of the quad at the top of the movement to maximize muscle fiber recruitment.
Make it harder
- Add a 3-second isometric hold at the peak of the lift.
- Perform the movement without holding the chair to significantly increase core and ankle stability demands.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the standing single front leg raise chair supported work?
- The standing single front leg raise chair supported primarily targets the abs and quadriceps, and also works the obliques as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the standing single front leg raise chair supported?
- The standing single front leg raise chair supported requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the standing single front leg raise chair supported good for beginners?
- Yes. The standing single front leg raise chair supported is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.