Exercise guide
V Leg Raise
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Waist
The V Leg Raise is a powerful compound core exercise that simultaneously targets the upper and lower rectus abdominis while engaging the obliques and hip flexors. It builds functional core strength and stability by requiring coordinated movement between the torso and lower body to form a 'V' shape.
Reviewed by the Crucible Fit team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Lie flat on your back on a mat with your legs fully extended and feet together.
- Extend your arms straight back behind your head, keeping them parallel to each other.
- Press your lower back firmly into the floor to engage your deep core before starting.
How to do it
- Exhale as you simultaneously lift your legs and your upper body off the floor, hinging at the hips.
- Reach your hands toward your feet, aiming to balance on your glutes at the peak of the movement.
- Inhale and slowly lower your arms and legs back to the starting position with a controlled 2-3 second tempo.
- Stop just before your heels and shoulder blades touch the floor to maintain constant tension on the abdominals.
Form checklist
- Keep your legs as straight as possible throughout the entire range of motion.
- Avoid using momentum or swinging your arms to 'throw' yourself upward.
- Keep your neck in a neutral position, looking toward your toes rather than tucking your chin to your chest.
- Ensure your lower body and upper body move at the same speed to meet in the middle.
Pro tips
- Squeeze your quadriceps and point your toes to create full-body tension, which helps stabilize the pelvis during the lift.
- Focus on the 'mind-muscle connection' by imagining you are folding your body like a book, rather than just lifting your limbs.
- Pause for a half-second at the top of the 'V' to maximize the peak contraction of the abdominal wall.
Make it harder
- Hold a light medicine ball or dumbbell between your hands to increase the resistance on the upper torso.
- Perform the movement with a 4-second eccentric (lowering) phase to significantly increase time under tension.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the v leg raise work?
- The v leg raise primarily targets the abs and obliques, and also works the glutes as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the v leg raise?
- The v leg raise requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the v leg raise good for beginners?
- The v leg raise is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.