Exercise guide
Dumbbell Seated Military Press In Out Leg Raise On Floor
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Shoulders
- Upper legs
- Waist
This advanced compound movement combines an overhead press with a dynamic core tuck to challenge shoulder stability, hip flexor strength, and deep abdominal engagement. It is highly effective for building total-body coordination and a rock-solid midsection.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you and your torso upright.
- Hold a pair of dumbbells at shoulder height with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) and elbows tucked slightly forward.
- Engage your core and lean back slightly, lifting your heels 2-3 inches off the floor to find your balance point on your sit bones.
How to do it
- Simultaneously press the dumbbells vertically overhead while pulling your knees toward your chest in a 'tuck' motion.
- Exhale forcefully during the press and knee tuck, reaching full arm extension at the peak of the movement.
- Lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height while extending your legs straight out in front of you without letting your heels touch the floor.
- Inhale as you return to the starting position, maintaining a controlled 2-1-2 tempo (2 seconds out, 1 second hold, 2 seconds in).
Form checklist
- Maintain a neutral spine; do not allow your lower back to round or excessively arch as legs extend.
- Keep your chest lifted and shoulders pulled away from your ears throughout the press.
- Ensure the dumbbells move in a straight line over your shoulders, not drifting forward.
- Keep your feet together and toes pointed to maintain tension through the lower body.
Pro tips
- Focus on the 'hollow body' sensation as you extend your legs; pressing your belly button toward your spine will protect your lower back.
- Squeeze the dumbbells tightly to create 'irradiation,' which increases shoulder stability and power during the press.
Make it harder
- Add a two-second pause at the point of full leg extension and overhead lockout to maximize time under tension.
- Perform a 'V-Up' instead of a knee tuck, keeping the legs perfectly straight throughout the entire press and lower phase.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the dumbbell seated military press in out leg raise on floor work?
- The dumbbell seated military press in out leg raise on floor primarily targets the abs, deltoids, and obliques, and also works the serratus anterior and triceps as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the dumbbell seated military press in out leg raise on floor?
- The dumbbell seated military press in out leg raise on floor uses dumbbell.
- Is the dumbbell seated military press in out leg raise on floor good for beginners?
- The dumbbell seated military press in out leg raise on floor is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
Related exercises
- 45 Degrees Arms PlankIntermediate · abs, deltoids, obliques, and pectorals
- Alternate Single Leg Raise PlankIntermediate · abs, deltoids, hamstrings, and obliques
- Bear Crawl Low HipIntermediate · abs, deltoids, and obliques
- Bear Plank Floating Leg ExtensionIntermediate · abs, deltoids, hamstrings, and obliques