Captains Chair Leg Raise

Captains Chair Leg Raise is an intermediate isolation pull using machine. It loads Abs.

Why this lift

The Captains Chair Leg Raise is a intermediate isolation pull lift. It primarily loads Abs. Quadriceps help. You need machine. Most programs place it after your main compounds, as accessory work. You may also hear it called Captains Chair Leg Raises.

Loaded carries, crunches, and the brace on every compound already train the abs. Extra core work is seasoning, not the meal. Once the pattern feels automatic, most programs keep this as a weekly staple.

Muscles worked

• Primary: Abs
• Secondary: Quadriceps

Setup

• Stand or sit tall with machine. Soft elbows, ribs down.

How to do it

1. Raise to the target height. Lead with Abs, not momentum.
2. Lower on a slow count.

Coaching cues

• Pinkies slightly up on laterals; thumbs up on front raises.
• No swinging.

Common mistakes

• Using the traps and leaning back. Lighter load; pause at the top.

How to program it

Treat the Captains Chair Leg Raise as accessory work: 2–4 sets after your main compounds, enough to feel the target muscle without stealing recovery from the big lifts.

If the Captains Chair Leg Raise does not agree with you, Barbell Rollout trains Abs with a different setup.

Related lifts

• Barbell Rollout Abs
• Bicycle Crunch Abs
• Cable Crunch Abs
• Cable Side Crunch Abs
• Captains Chair Knee Raise Abs
• Crunch Abs

FAQ

What muscles does the Captains Chair Leg Raise work?

The Captains Chair Leg Raise works Abs (primary), Quadriceps (secondary).

What equipment do I need for the Captains Chair Leg Raise?

You need machine.

Is the Captains Chair Leg Raise suitable for beginners?

Not as a first-week lift. The Captains Chair Leg Raise is marked intermediate — learn a simpler variation from the related lifts below, then come back.