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Last updated February 2, 2026
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abs
Hip Raise (Bent Knee)
Lie on your back with knees bent. Contract your lower abs to curl your hips off the floor. Lower slowly and repeat.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Medium
- Calorie Burn
- Low-Medium
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
body weight
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
- Lie on your back on a mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
- Position your arms at your sides or place them on your hips for stability.
- Step 2Position Your Feet
- Ensure your feet are positioned directly under your knees, with your heels close to your glutes.
- Your toes should point forward or slightly outward for comfort.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Before lifting, engage your core by tightening your abdominal muscles.
- This helps stabilize your spine and pelvis during the movement.
- Step 4Lift Your Hips
- Press through your heels and lift your hips towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top.
- Keep your shoulders and head on the mat, and avoid arching your lower back.
- Step 5Hold the Position
- Pause at the top of the movement for a moment, ensuring your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.
- Maintain tension in your glutes and core during the hold.
- Step 6Lower Your Hips
- Slowly lower your hips back down to the starting position, controlling the movement.
- Avoid letting your lower back sag or your hips drop too quickly.
- Step 7Repeat
- Repeat the hip raise for the desired number of repetitions, focusing on maintaining good form throughout.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, gently lower your hips to the mat and relax.
- Take a moment to stretch your glutes and lower back if needed.