STRAIGHT LEGS

The straight legs exercise is used to train core stability and to dissociate hip movements from the low back. Start by lying down on your back on a padded surface and place both your hands on your belly to cue your core to brace. Begin to raise both legs off of the floor while maintaining a neutral spine. Raise them until your hips and knees are flexed to 90 degrees. Slowly lower one leg until it is straight but keep it hovered above the floor. Return the straight leg to the bent position and alternate sides. Be sure to use your core to prevent extending or flexing through the spine during this exercise.

Muscles involved:

• transversus abdominis

Related conditions:

• diastasis recti

• sports hernia

• mechanical low back pain

• sacroiliac joint syndrome

• pelvic floor dysfunction

• posterior pelvic girdle pain syndrome

Exercise videos