This is me attempting 15 reps of a 10lb straight leg raise.

How’s my form? Let me tell you, that is hard to do. I have been wondering why my patients continue to struggle with 10lb SLRs, and remembered that it has been about 2 years since I actually did one.

I do not have any hip or knee pathologies, I am a gym rat, and I run routinely, and I still have trouble completing one set of 15 repetitions.

I am not saying that we should get rid of the straight leg raise, but I believe that there are other effective methods to address VMO/quad and hip flexor strength, that do not possibly cause as much hip discomfort. Personally, I am in favor of SAQs and SLRs up to 5lbs. At this time I progress my patient’s to TKEs and double leg squats, ensuring that form is always correct (also dependent on diagnosis).

Let’s start to think outside the box, and off the table.