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Last updated February 2, 2026
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Decline Leg Hip Raise
Lie on a decline bench holding the top handle. Lift your legs and curl your hips off the bench. This is a very challenging lower ab exercise.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Medium
- Calorie Burn
- Medium-High
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
abs
Secondary
hip flexors
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
bench
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Lying
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Find a decline bench and adjust it to a comfortable angle.
- Lie down on the bench with your shoulders and upper back supported, and your legs secured under the pads.
- Step 2Position Your Arms
- Place your arms at your sides or across your chest for balance.
- Engage your core to stabilize your body.
- Step 3Initiate the Movement
- Press your heels into the bench and lift your hips off the bench.
- Your body should form a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.
- Step 4Raise Your Hips
- Continue to lift your hips towards the ceiling by squeezing your glutes.
- Ensure that your core remains tight and your back stays straight.
- Step 5Hold the Position
- Pause at the top of the movement for a moment, feeling the contraction in your glutes and hamstrings.
- Keep your shoulders and head on the bench throughout the movement.
- Step 6Lower Your Hips
- Slowly lower your hips back down towards the bench.
- Control the movement to avoid dropping your hips too quickly.
- Step 7Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout each rep.
- Focus on controlled movements rather than rushing through the exercise.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully lower your hips to the bench and sit up.
- Take a moment to stretch and relax your muscles after the exercise.