Hanging Knee Raise to Elbows - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Hanging Knee Raise to Elbows

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Hanging Knee Raise to Elbows.

MediumAbsCore

About this exercise

Hanging knees to elbows is a core exercise performed while hanging from a pull-up bar, where you curl your knees up until they touch your elbows. It targets the abs and hip flexors while requiring grip and upper-body stability throughout.

How to Perform

  • Grip a pull-up bar with both hands slightly wider than shoulder-width, arms fully extended
  • Hang freely, engaging your shoulders to stabilize your position
  • Exhale and curl your knees toward your chest, rounding the lower back
  • Continue raising your knees until they touch or reach your elbows
  • Hold briefly at the top, then slowly lower your legs back to the starting position
  • Avoid swinging — keep the movement controlled throughout

Muscle Activation

Primary
AbsCore
Secondary
QuadricepsObliques

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Hanging Knee Raise to Elbows

The Hanging Knee Raise to Elbows is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.