Anyone interested in bodybuilding would be more than happy to know Arnold Schwarzenegger's workout routine in his prime, but Hercules Bodybuilding went one step further by sharing one of his favorite exercises on Instagram.

The account shared an old clip from the bodybuilding documentary Pumping Iron, where Schwarzenegger performs hanging leg raises. The narrator, Charles Gaines, who also happened to be the producer of the documentary, then reveals that it is one of his favorite exercises.

"Hanging Leg Raises 5 sets of 20 reps. This was one of Arnold's favorites. Hang from the bar, keep your legs straight, and lift them until your toes point forward. Don't swing, don't cheat."

According to celebrity fitness trainer and natural bodybuilding champion Keven Richardson, strong abs are built through challenging, effective movements rather than endless basic crunches. For example, the hanging leg raise targets the entire core and helps develop strength, stability, and muscle definition.

But he also warns that hanging leg raises are a difficult movement that requires proper technique and core control to perform effectively. They may look aesthetically pleasing, but once you have strong abdominal muscles, it will improve your posture, athletic performance, balance, and help prevent injuries.

Thus, core training should be essential for overall fitness and long-term physical health.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Ab and Leg Workout

Bodybuilding.com shared Arnold's approach to ab training, and it was straightforward. He had a few favorite exercises that he did for a considerable number of reps. The Austrian Oak's midsection was the center of his huge upper torso and aesthetic appeal.

Although not as toned as today's bodybuilders, he flaunted a noteworthy six-pack that was on his taper, which added to his physique. Here is everything he did to keep his abs and legs in shape.

• Leg Extensions (1-2 sets of 15 reps) (Warm-up)
• Barbell Squat (6 sets of 15, 10, 8, 8, 6, 4 reps)
• Smith machine back squat (4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 reps)
• Hack Squat (4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 reps)

Superset

• Smith machine leg press (4 sets of 8 reps)
• Lying Leg Curls (4 sets of 10 reps)

Superset

• Standing Leg Curl (4 sets of 10 reps)
• Romanian Deadlift (4 sets of 10 reps)

• Weighted donkey calf raise (4 sets of 10 reps)
• Standing Calf Raise (4 sets of 10 reps)
• Seated Calf Raise (4 sets of 12-15 reps)
• Hanging leg raise (4 sets of 25 reps)
• Seated leg tuck (4 sets of 25 reps)

Do you include this exercise in your core workout?

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Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi