Muscles worked
- Required equipment
- No equipment
- Movement
- Hinge
- Level
- Beginner
Before you start
Equipment and setup
A clear, non-slip training space. No weights or fixed station are required.
Exercise-specific guidance
The written setup and steps on this page are tailored to this exact exercise variation.
Movement sequence
- Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat, and heels close enough that the shins are near vertical at the top.
- Brace gently and drive through the feet to lift the hips until the ribs, hips, and thighs form a long line.
- Pause with the glutes working, then lower the pelvis under control without pushing through the low back.
Form cues
- Ribs stay down
- Drive through the whole foot
- Finish with glutes, not the low back
Common mistakes
- Overarching at the top
- Placing the feet so far away that the hamstrings cramp
Scale it
Easier: Use a smaller range or hold the top briefly with both feet planted.
Harder: Add a band, external load, or a controlled single-leg variation.
Editorial context
Last editorial pass: August 19, 2026. Public-health guidance informs the activity context, and a professional exercise library helps cross-check common naming and equipment categories. The movement instructions remain general education, not individualized coaching.