1. Starting Position:
- Lie flat on your back on the floor or a mat.
- Grip the edge of an anchoring surface (like a bench or a sturdy bar) above your head with both hands. This will help stabilize your body during the movement.
2. Body Positioning:
- Extend your legs straight along the ground.
- Keep one leg straight while the other leg should be bent at the knee, with your foot planted on the floor.
3. Engage Your Core:
- Tighten your abdominal muscles. This is crucial for stability and to control the movement.
4. Movement:
- Gradually lift your straight leg towards the ceiling. As you do this, engage your core further to ensure your back remains flat against the mat.
- Once your leg is lifted to about a 90-degree angle, begin to lower it slowly back down toward the floor while maintaining control.
- Avoid letting your back arch; it should remain in contact with the mat throughout the movement.
5. Completing the Rep:
- Try to lower your extended leg as close to the ground as possible without letting it touch the floor.
- Once you reach the lowest point, pause briefly before lifting your leg back to the starting position.
6. Repetition:
- Perform the desired number of repetitions on one leg, then switch to the other leg and repeat.
7. Breathing:
- Inhale as you lift your leg and exhale as you lower it back down.
Tips:
- Start with a slower pace to ensure control of the movement.
- If you're a beginner, feel free to modify the range of motion for the leg lift until you build confidence and strength.
- Always focus on using your core, rather than using momentum, to perform the exercise effectively.
