Captain's Chair Knee Raise

The Captain's Chair Knee Raise is a core exercise performed on a vertical knee raise station that targets the lower abs and hip flexors. By stabilizing the upper body on padded armrests, this movement isolates the abdominal muscles while minimizing lower back strain compared to hanging variations.

Exercise movement reviewed by:Cody Lockling, MS, CSCS
How Iridium Helps

Because this is a bodyweight movement, the AI analyzes your current weight and body composition to accurately gauge intensity, as heavier legs significantly increase the load on your core. The app also tracks recovery data to monitor hip flexor fatigue, adjusting volume to prevent form breakdown where the lower back might arch to compensate for tired abdominal muscles.

Form Cues

Do
  • Press your lower back firmly into the backrest
  • Keep your forearms flat and shoulders depressed
  • Exhale as you lift your knees toward your chest
  • Tuck your pelvis slightly at the top of the movement
  • Lower your legs slowly and with control
Don't
  • Don't allow your shoulders to shrug up
  • Don't swing your legs to create momentum
  • Don't arch your lower back on the descent
  • Don't drop your legs quickly

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging legs for momentum
  • Arching the lower back
  • Shrugging shoulders near ears
  • Rushing the lowering phase

Muscles Worked

This exercise primarily targets the lower region of the rectus abdominis by requiring you to curl your pelvis upward against gravity. It also recruits the hip flexors to initiate the movement and relies on the upper body for isometric stabilization.

Primary

Lower Abs

Secondary

Upper AbsHip Flexors

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