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Captain's chair knee raise

Draw the knees toward the chest with a small pelvic curl rather than kicking the legs. Start with a manageable effort and increase it only while the setup and movement remain controlled.

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At a glance

EquipmentBodyweight / calisthenics
Experience levelIntermediate
Movement patternCore
Primary muscleHip Flexors
Also worksObliques, Deep Core
Captain's chair knee raise: Exercise illustration (start) Captain's chair knee raise: Exercise illustration (peak)
Exercise data by RepDB (repdb.co).

The movement, step by step.

  1. Support the forearms and back on the captain's chair and let the legs hang without swinging.
  2. Draw the knees toward the chest with a small pelvic curl rather than kicking the legs.
  3. Return slowly to the starting position and reset before the next repetition.

Technique cues

  • Breathe throughout the movement.
  • Make the abdominal muscles control the range.

Common mistakes

  • Pulling on the neck or swinging the legs.
  • Continuing after the lower back loses control.

Watch & learn

Professional demonstrations, opened on YouTube.

Alternatives

Log it in One Fitness Hub

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Educational guidance, not an individual training prescription. Start with a manageable load, work within a comfortable range, and stop if a movement causes pain. Ask a qualified coach for help with an unfamiliar setup. Practice the technique before increasing load. Repetitions and working weight depend on your goals, experience, and individual needs.

Know the movement. Log the work.

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