TETSU3/4 Sit-Up vs Band Lying Straight Leg Raise
The 3/4 Sit-Up and the Band Lying Straight Leg Raise both train the abs as their primary muscle. The 3/4 Sit-Up is bodyweight-only while the Band Lying Straight Leg Raise uses a band. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| 3/4 Sit-Up | Band Lying Straight Leg Raise | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | hip flexors and lower back | hip flexors |
| Equipment | bodyweight | band |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 5 |
How each one starts
3/4 Sit-Up — first steps
- Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
- Place your hands behind your head with your elbows pointing outwards.
Band Lying Straight Leg Raise — first steps
- Lie flat on your back with your legs straight and your feet together.
- Place the band around the arches of your feet and hold the ends of the band with your hands.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The 3/4 Sit-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. The Band Lying Straight Leg Raise gives accommodating resistance that peaks at the top of the range. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the abs adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the 3/4 Sit-Up better than the Band Lying Straight Leg Raise?
Neither is universally better — both train the abs as the primary mover. The 3/4 Sit-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps, while the Band Lying Straight Leg Raise gives accommodating resistance that peaks at the top of the range. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the 3/4 Sit-Up and the Band Lying Straight Leg Raise in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the abs. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the 3/4 Sit-Up and the Band Lying Straight Leg Raise work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the abs. Supporting muscles differ slightly — hip flexors and lower back for the 3/4 Sit-Up versus hip flexors for the Band Lying Straight Leg Raise.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.