You don't need leg raises to strengthen your deep core muscles — I’m a personal trainer, and I prefer the 'in-and-out’ exercise

A woman lying on an exercise mat outdoors performing leg raises.

Leg raises are probably known as the Holy Grail of lower abs exercises when we consider hitting these muscle groups without weights or gym machines. But what if I told you I actually swerve them more often than not for in-and-outs? (Nope, sadly, this in-and-out isn’t a burger joint.)

There’s no reason you can’t use this exercise alongside leg raises, but the in-and-out bodyweight exercise is kinder on my lower back (when performed with correct form) using the upper-body positioning of the Russian twist. Your lower body mimics a similar motion to leg raises (moving up and down), but also from side to side.