Straight-leg raise

Lying with one knee bent, the other leg is tightened and lifted straight: thigh strength with little load through the knee.

Quadriceps strength family

Straight-leg raise

Standard option

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These tiers compare demands within this family, not universal safety or a mandatory sequence. Load, range, balance and your circumstances can change difficulty. Choose deliberately; pain does not select a progression.

Lying with one knee bent, the other leg is tightened and lifted straight: thigh strength with little load through the knee.

DemandEasy

Equipment requiredBodyweight + Floor space

Muscle focusQuads · Hip flexors · Abs

Speed Figure

The figure gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch this variation on the 3D figure above: it gets into position, then repeats the movement.

Source-researched guide. Clinical review is pending.

How to move

Lie on your back with one knee bent and that foot flat; keep the other leg straight on the floor.
Tighten the front of the straight leg’s thigh so the knee straightens fully, then lift the leg to about the height of the other knee.
Lower slowly, keeping the thigh tight, and rest before repeating. Change legs.

Form cues

Keep the knee straight throughout the lift.
Let the bent leg steady the pelvis.

Practice and cautions

No universal dose is assigned. Choose a manageable amount for your current capacity, leave room for controlled repetitions, and allow recovery. A clinician’s individual plan takes priority.

This is movement education, not an assessment or treatment prescription. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, dizziness, numbness or tingling; seek individual guidance for symptoms, injury or restrictions.

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Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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