Leg Pull-In

A beginner strength exercise for the abs, done with just your bodyweight.

Main muscles: Abs
Equipment: Bodyweight
Level: Beginner
Type: Compound
Movement: Pull

How to do the Leg Pull-In

Lie on an exercise mat with your legs extended and your hands either palms facing down next to you or under your glutes. Tip: My preference is with the hands next to me. This will be your starting position.
Bend your knees and pull your upper thighs into your midsection as you breathe out. Continue the motion until your knees are around chest level. Contract your abs as you execute this movement and hold for a second at the top. Tip: As you perform the motion, the lower legs (calves) should always remain parallel to the floor.
Return to the starting position as you inhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Sets and reps

Strength	3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes
Muscle	3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes
Endurance or fat loss	2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds

Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

Alternatives to the Leg Pull-In

Questions

What muscles does the Leg Pull-In work?

Mainly the abs.

Is the Leg Pull-In good for beginners?

Yes. It's rated a beginner exercise: start light and learn the movement before adding weight.

What can I do instead of the Leg Pull-In?

Good alternatives that train the abs: 3/4 Sit-Up, Air Bike, Bent-Knee Hip Raise or Bottoms Up.

How many sets and reps of the Leg Pull-In should I do?

Strength: 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes. Muscle: 3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes. Endurance or fat loss: 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds.

Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).