Mastering the Single-Leg Elevated-Foot Hip Raise Technique

If you’ve been dealing with low back pain, the single-leg hip raise might be your solution.

Extended periods of sitting causes one of your body’s largest muscle groups (your glutes) to shut off and the muscles on the front of your hips (your psoas) to become overactive. The combination of tight psoas and weak glutes increases both the strain on your spine and your risk for low back pain.

To counteract this, the single-leg hip raise not only turns your glutes back on and opens up your hips, but it also engages just about every muscle below your waist one leg at a time, helping you build strength as you iron out imbalances.

This hip raise exercise targets your glutes, quads, and core.

Here’s how to do it with perfect form.

Single-Leg Hip Raise: Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Lie face-up on the floor with your arms by your sides, your right foot on a bench (or other immovable object), and your left foot elevated.
  • Squeeze your glutes and push through your right foot, raising your hips until your body forms a straight line from your right knee to your shoulders.
  • Pause, then return to the starting position. Do equal reps on both legs.

Make It Easier

Perform the move with both feet on the bench, or lose the bench and place both feet flat on the floor.

Make It Harder

Trade the bench for a stability ball, which will increase muscle recruitment throughout your body to keep you stable and balanced. The more muscles you work, the more muscle you build.

See Also:  11 Hamstring Exercises to Revitalize Your Routine

Bonus tip: Brace your core (imagine you’re about to be punched in the gut, drawing your belly button toward your back) for the duration of each set. Keeping your core tight makes it harder for you to arch your back, minimizing the stress on your spine.

For a variation on this move, check out the Single Leg Bridge from the ABC Extreme workout in 21 Day Fix EXTREME.

Want more basic moves? Click here.

Lesa O'Leary
Lesa O'Leary

Lesa is a dynamic member of OzHelp’s Service Delivery Team as the Service Delivery Team Leader and Nurse. She has been with OzHelp for five years and believes in leading by example. Lesa has experience in the not-for-profit sector, as well as many roles throughout different industries and sectors, including as a contractor to the Department of Defence. She has expertise in delivering OzHelp’s health and wellbeing programs and engaging with clients in a relaxed and comfortable manner that aligns with the organisation’s vision and objectives.

Lesa has a Certificate 4 in Nursing from Wodonga Tafe, Certificate 4 in Mental Health from Open Colleges, and is currently undertaking a Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment from Tafe NSW. For the past few months Lesa has been an Education and Memberships committee member of the ACT Branch of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).