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§ L · Exercises · AbsUpdated 6/2026

Hanging Knees to Elbows

This exercise builds core control and strength in a hanging position on a pull-up bar using only your body weight.

Muscle group
Abs
Equipment
Bodyweight
Exercise type
Compound
Technique
Advanced technique

Muscles worked

§ 01 · Muscles
Primary muscle
Abs
Supporting muscles
BicepsForearm

How to perform

§ 02 · Steps
  1. 01

    Grip the pull-up bar with an overhand grip and hang with your arms straight, pulling your shoulder blades back and down.

  2. 02

    Brace your core and keep your hips under control without swinging.

  3. 03

    Raise your knees by bending your legs toward your chest, continuing until your knees touch your elbows or come as close as possible.

  4. 04

    Pause briefly at the top and squeeze your abs without collapsing your chest.

  5. 05

    Lower your legs slowly back to a full dead hang with control and repeat.

How to get started at the gym

§ 03 · SisuLift

Hanging Knees to Elbows is ready to go in the SisuLift exercise library. The app builds you a program, suggests starting weights and shows this same animation during your workout at the gym.

  • ·A ready training program based on your goal
  • ·Starting weight suggestions and automatic progression
  • ·Set logging and rest timer at the gym
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
SisuLift app workout view

Tips

§ 04 · Tips

Start each rep from a full dead hang and minimize swinging by keeping your glutes and thighs lightly engaged. If your grip fatigues first, use chalk or perform the reps with control through a shorter range of motion.

This exercise builds core control and strength in a hanging position on a pull-up bar using only your body weight.

More exercises: Abs

§ 05 · Same muscles

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