How to Do Flat Bench Leg Pull-In
Start and end of one clean rep of Flat Bench Leg Pull-In.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Core |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | — |
| Equipment | Bodyweight |
| Category | Strength |
How to perform Flat Bench Leg Pull-In
- Lie on an exercise mat or a flat bench with your legs off the end.
- Place your hands either under your glutes with your palms down or by the sides holding on to the bench (or with palms down by the side on an exercise mat). Also extend your legs straight out. This will be your starting position.
- Bend your knees and pull your upper thighs into your midsection as you breathe out. Continue this movement until your knees are near your chest. Hold the contracted position for a second.
- As you breathe in, slowly return to the starting position.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Muscles worked
- Core (primary): braces the trunk and resists twisting to protect the spine.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
Bodyweight movement: once you own the top of a rep range, progress by slowing the tempo, pausing at the hardest point, or moving to a harder variation instead of adding load.
Form tips
- Brace as if about to take a light punch and breathe shallowly — don't hold your breath for the whole set.
- Own the largest range you can control with clean form before you chase extra reps.
- Treat every rep the same — a repeatable setup and bar path is what lets you add weight safely over time.
- Breathe out on the effort and in on the return, keeping one steady rhythm across the set.
Common mistakes
- Cranking with the hip flexors or neck instead of moving from the trunk.
- Cutting the range short to squeeze out extra reps instead of owning each full one.
- Chasing weight jumps before the current load feels solid on every rep.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Flat Bench Leg Pull-In work?
Flat Bench Leg Pull-In is a focused movement that primarily works the core.
What equipment do I need for Flat Bench Leg Pull-In?
None — Flat Bench Leg Pull-In is a bodyweight movement, so you only need your bodyweight and a little space.
How many sets and reps should I do for Flat Bench Leg Pull-In?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Bodyweight movement: once you own the top of a rep range, progress by slowing the tempo, pausing at the hardest point, or moving to a harder variation instead of adding load.
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