Leg raises are a type of exercise that can target different muscles depending on the variation of the exercise. Here are the muscles that leg raises work according to the search results:

• Hip flexors: The leg raise is a strength training exercise that targets the iliopsoas, which are the anterior hip flexors. Raising your leg is hip flexion, and hip flexors are what flex your hip, not abdominal muscles.

• Abdominal muscles: Although leg raises do not work the abdominal muscles effectively, if at all, they are used isometrically to stabilize the body during the motion. The rectus abdominis, obliques, and transversus abdominis are used to isometrically stabilize the spine to resist extension and posterior pelvic tilt that would otherwise occur with the legs lifted in front.

• Quadriceps, hamstrings, and erector spinae: The lying leg raise is a compound exercise that works many muscle groups simultaneously. The primary muscles worked are the rectus abdominis, obliques, and hip flexors, while the secondary muscles worked are the quadriceps, hamstrings, and erector spinae (lower back muscle) .

In summary, leg raises primarily work the hip flexors, but they also engage the abdominal muscles and other muscle groups to a lesser extent.