Workshop gym, no. 5

Seated leg raise

Strong thighs look after your knees and get you up the stairs. You do it sitting down, so it’s a good one for tired days.

Press start when you’re ready

Pin it up in the shed: the moves, the beat and a tally board for your week, on one A4 page.

Download the A4 sheet (PDF)

How to do it

Sit tall towards the front of a sturdy chair, feet flat and hip-width apart.
Hold the sides of the seat lightly.
Straighten your left leg slowly until it’s level, toes pulling towards you.
Hold for a moment, then lower it slowly back to the floor.
Swap to the right leg. Keep breathing; don’t hold your breath.

Easier

Only straighten the leg part way, or slide your heel along the floor.

Harder

Hold the straight leg for five seconds, or lift it a little higher.

Back and knees

Sit tall rather than leaning back. Any knee or back pain, stop.

This is what worked for me, not medical advice. If you have a heart condition, have had surgery, or feel dizzy, chest pain or breathlessness, stop and check with your GP before carrying on.