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Last updated February 2, 2026
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Hanging Knees To Elbows
Hang from bar. Tuck knees up high and try to touch your elbows. Needs strong core compression.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Medium
- Calorie Burn
- 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
pull up bar
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Hanging
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Find a pull-up bar that is high enough for you to hang from without your feet touching the ground.
- Stand under the bar and reach up to grab it with both hands, using an overhand grip slightly wider than shoulder-width.
- Step 2Hang from the Bar
- Jump or step up to grab the bar and allow your body to hang freely.
- Keep your arms fully extended, and engage your shoulders by slightly pulling them down away from your ears.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Before starting the movement, engage your core muscles to stabilize your body.
- Keep your legs straight or slightly bent, and avoid swinging.
- Step 4Lift Your Knees
- Bend your knees and lift them towards your chest while keeping your core tight.
- Aim to bring your knees as high as possible, ideally towards your elbows.
- Step 5Control the Movement
- Lower your legs back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
- Avoid dropping your legs quickly to maintain tension in your core.
- Step 6Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions, focusing on maintaining good form throughout each rep.
- Take a brief pause between sets if needed.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully lower yourself down to the ground or step off the bar.
- Ensure you have a stable footing before releasing your grip on the bar.