Full Range Leg Raises

 

The Full Range Leg Raise is an excellent exercise. It can be considered a dynamic version of the "Plow" pose in Yoga (Halasana). It will help limber up the lower back and strengthen the abdominal muscles and the hip flexors.

It is important to control the exercise throughout the full range of motion. No swinging or jerking. Keep the legs as straight as possible. When the feet lower to the ground the head comes off the floor. This keeps the lower back slightly rounded and in a safer position. Keep the heels 6 inches from the floor. At first do not go all the way to the balls of your feet overhead until you have the proper flexibility. If this exercise is easy, then you aren't being too strict in your form. Every repetition should be as perfect as possible. Aim to build up to 50 or 100 reps.