fbpx

ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck: Achieve Your Fitness Goals

Are you ready to take your fitness game to the next level and prepare for the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)? One of the most challenging exercises on the test is the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck, which targets your core and upper body strength. Here at FitGAG, we’ve put this exercise to the test and are excited to share our ultimate guide with you. Get ready to achieve your fitness goals with the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck!

Table of Contents

Exercise Information

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is an exercise that primarily targets the core muscles, including the rectus abdominis and the hip flexors. This exercise involves hanging from a pull-up bar and lifting the knees up towards the chest while maintaining a controlled motion. Let’s dive into some general information about this exercise:

    Level

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is an intermediate to advanced exercise that requires proper technique and form to perform safely and effectively.

    Equipment

    To perform the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck, you will need a pull-up bar or a sturdy overhead object that can support your body weight.

    Type of Exercise

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is a compound exercise that primarily targets the core muscles, specifically the rectus abdominis and the hip flexors.

    ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck: Working Muscles

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is a challenging exercise that targets several muscle groups in the upper body, including the core, arms, and shoulders. In this section, we will discuss the primary and secondary muscle groups that are involved during the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck exercise.

    Primary Muscle Group: Abdominals

    The primary muscle group targeted during the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck exercise is the abdominals, specifically the rectus abdominis muscle. The rectus abdominis muscle is responsible for flexing the trunk and bringing the pelvis towards the ribcage. During the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck, the rectus abdominis muscle is engaged as the knees are lifted towards the chest.

    Secondary Muscle Groups: Arms and Shoulders

    In addition to the primary muscle group, the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck exercise also engages the muscles of the arms and shoulders. The arms, specifically the biceps and forearm muscles, are responsible for gripping the bar during the exercise. The shoulders, specifically the deltoid muscles, are responsible for stabilizing the body during the movement.

    By engaging all of these muscle groups, the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck exercise provides a complete upper body workout, making it an effective exercise for building upper body strength and increasing overall muscle mass.

    Stay tuned for the next section, where we will discuss the benefits of the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck exercise.

    Benefits of ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is a challenging core exercise that requires strength, stability, and control. Here are five benefits of incorporating this exercise into your fitness routine:

    • Improved Core Strength: The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is a highly effective exercise for strengthening your entire core, including your abs, lower back, and obliques. By regularly performing this exercise, you can build a strong and stable core, which can help improve your posture, balance, and athletic performance.
    • Increased Grip Strength: The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck requires you to hang from a bar, which can help improve your grip strength. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes or anyone who wants to improve their grip strength for other activities.
    • Enhanced Shoulder Stability: The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck requires you to engage your shoulder muscles throughout the exercise, which can help improve your shoulder stability and reduce your risk of injury.
    • Improved Hip Mobility: The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck requires a good range of motion in your hips, which can help improve your hip mobility and reduce stiffness. This can be particularly beneficial for anyone who spends a lot of time sitting or has a sedentary lifestyle.
    • Increased Body Control: The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck requires you to control your body as you lift your legs, which can help improve your overall body control and coordination. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes or anyone who wants to improve their athletic performance.

    By regularly performing the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck, you can enjoy these benefits and more. However, it’s important to start slowly and progress gradually to avoid injury and ensure proper form. Additionally, it’s important to incorporate a variety of exercises into your fitness routine to ensure you’re targeting all muscle groups and avoiding boredom.

    ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck: Step-by-Step Instructions

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is a challenging core exercise that targets the abs and hip flexors. Before diving into the instructions, let’s start with the starting position.

    Starting Position:

    • Hang from a pull-up bar with your arms fully extended and your palms facing away from you.
    • Engage your core and keep your body in a straight line.

    Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck exercise:

    1. Initiate the movement by engaging your core and lifting your knees up towards your chest.
    2. Keep your back straight and avoid swinging your body.
    3. Pause for a second or two at the top of the movement before slowly lowering your legs back down to the starting position.
    4. Repeat these steps for the desired number of repetitions.

    ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck – Proper Form and Technique

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is a challenging exercise that targets your abdominal muscles, hip flexors, and grip strength. It requires a pull-up bar or other stable overhead surface and proper form and technique to avoid injury and achieve maximum results.

    MUST READ  Spider Crawl (Engage Core Muscles) Technique Tips

    Starting Position

    • Hang from a pull-up bar or other stable overhead surface with your arms straight and your palms facing away from you.
    • Engage your core muscles and keep your legs straight.

    Proper Form and Technique

    • Lift Your Legs: Lift your legs up towards your chest while keeping them straight. Use your hip flexors and lower abs to control the movement.
    • Bend Your Knees: Once your legs are parallel to the ground, bend your knees and pull them towards your chest as far as you can.
    • Pause and Hold: Pause for a second at the top position with your knees lifted towards your chest.
    • Lower Your Legs: Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position while keeping them straight.
    • Keep Your Head Aligned: Keep your head aligned with your spine throughout the exercise. Do not let your neck droop or look up.
    • Breathe: Remember to breathe throughout the exercise. Inhale as you lift your legs and exhale as you lower them.
    • Keep Your Hips Stable: Do not swing or kip your hips as you lift your legs. Keep them stable and in line with your shoulders.
    • Engage Your Grip: While your abs and hip flexors are the primary muscles working, your grip strength also plays a role in the exercise. Engage your forearms and grip the pull-up bar tightly.
    • Don’t Overdo It: Do not lift your legs too high or too quickly, as this can strain your lower back and cause injury. Lift your legs only as far as you can maintain proper form and control.
    • Add Variety: Once you have mastered the basic ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck, try variations such as holding the end position for longer periods, adding ankle weights or a weighted vest, or performing the exercise with one leg at a time.
    • Warm-Up: Always warm up your core muscles and grip strength before performing the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck. This will help you avoid injury and improve your performance.

    By following these tips, you can perform the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck with proper form and technique, targeting your abdominal muscles, hip flexors, and grip strength effectively while minimizing the risk of injury. Remember to start slowly, focus on your core, and gradually increase the difficulty of the exercise over time.

    Frequency and Progression: How to Get the Most Out of Your ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck Workouts

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is a challenging exercise that targets the abs and core muscles. It is part of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) and requires significant upper body and core strength to perform effectively. In this section, we will discuss how to properly incorporate the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck into your workout routine and how to progress with this exercise over time.

    Frequency

    Due to the intensity of the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck, it is recommended to perform this exercise no more than 2-3 times a week. However, it is important to allow your muscles to rest and recover between workouts to avoid overtraining and injury. You can alternate between ACFT Hanging Leg Tucks and other core exercises to give your muscles a break.

    Progressive Overload

    To see results with the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck, it is important to gradually increase the difficulty of the exercise over time. One way to progress is to increase the number of reps or sets you perform with each workout. Another way is to increase the difficulty of the exercise by changing the angle of your body or adding weight. For example, you can perform the exercise with your legs straight or with ankle weights for added resistance.

    Periodization

    To avoid plateaus and keep your workouts challenging, it is important to use periodization when performing the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck. This involves cycling through different phases of training, such as strength, endurance, and hypertrophy. For example, you could focus on strength for 4-6 weeks by performing 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with heavier resistance, then switch to an endurance phase for 4-6 weeks by performing 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps with lighter resistance.

    Mix It Up

    To prevent boredom and keep your workouts fresh, it is important to mix up your ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck exercises. You can vary the position of your hands and feet to target different areas of the abs and core muscles. For example, you can perform the exercise with your hands closer together or further apart. You can also add in other exercises, such as planks or Russian twists, to work the entire core.

    Proper Form

    Proper form is essential when performing the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck to avoid injury and get the most out of the exercise. Start by hanging from a pull-up bar with your arms fully extended. Engage your abs and lift your knees up towards your chest, keeping your legs together. Hold this position for a moment, then slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position. Make sure to avoid swinging and use controlled movements throughout the exercise.

    Track Your Progress

    To ensure you are making progress and staying on track with your ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck workouts, it is important to track your progress. Keep a workout journal or use a fitness app to log your reps, sets, and resistance used for each exercise. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve and keep you motivated to continue pushing yourself.

    Incorporating the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck into your workout routine can be a great way to strengthen your abs and core muscles. By following these tips for frequency, progressive overload, and periodization, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of your ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck workouts and reaching your fitness goals.

    Mistakes of ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck

    The ACFT hanging leg tuck is a challenging exercise that targets your abs and hip flexors. However, like any exercise, there are common mistakes that can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of injury. Here are five mistakes to avoid during ACFT hanging leg tuck exercises:

    • Swinging your body: Swinging your body during the ACFT hanging leg tuck can reduce the effectiveness of the exercise and increase the risk of injury. Instead, keep your body still and use your abs and hip flexors to lift your legs.
    • Not engaging your core: Engaging your core is essential to maintain proper form during the ACFT hanging leg tuck. Failure to engage your core can reduce the effectiveness of the exercise and increase the risk of injury.
    • Using momentum: Using momentum to lift your legs during the ACFT hanging leg tuck can reduce the effectiveness of the exercise and increase the risk of injury. Instead, focus on using your abs and hip flexors to lift your legs, moving slowly and with control.
    • Not using a full range of motion: Neglecting to use a full range of motion during the ACFT hanging leg tuck can reduce the effectiveness of the exercise. Make sure to lift your legs all the way up to your chest, and then lower them back down to the starting position.
    • Neglecting your breath: Proper breathing is crucial during the ACFT hanging leg tuck exercise. Failure to breathe properly can reduce the effectiveness of the exercise and increase the risk of injury. Remember to exhale as you lift your legs and inhale as you lower them back down.
    MUST READ  The Most Powerful 9 Hip Abductor Exercises

    By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of your ACFT hanging leg tuck exercises while reducing the risk of injury. Remember to keep your body still, engage your core, use slow and controlled movements, use a full range of motion, and breathe properly. With consistent practice, you can build a strong and defined core with the ACFT hanging leg tuck exercise.

    Variations of the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck: Add Variety to Your Workouts

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is an advanced exercise that targets your abs, hip flexors, and core. However, doing the same exercise every day can get tedious over time. Here are some variations to add variety to your workouts and keep your training interesting:

    Hanging Knee Raise

    This variation is a good starting point for those who are not yet able to perform a full hanging leg tuck.

    1. Start by hanging from a pull-up bar with your arms straight.
    2. Bring your knees up to your chest, hold for a second, and then lower them back down.

    Hanging Single Leg Raise

    This variation adds an element of difficulty by challenging your balance and stability.

    1. Start by hanging from a pull-up bar with your arms straight.
    2. Raise one leg up to your chest while keeping the other leg straight.
    3. Hold for a second, then lower your leg back down.
    4. Repeat on the other side.

    Hanging Bicycle Twist

    This variation targets your obliques in addition to your abs.

    1. Start by hanging from a pull-up bar with your arms straight.
    2. Bring your knees up to your chest, then twist your hips to one side, bringing your knee towards your opposite elbow.
    3. Repeat on the other side.

    Hanging Windshield Wiper

    This variation challenges your balance and coordination while working your abs and obliques.

    1. Start by hanging from a pull-up bar with your arms straight.
    2. Keep your legs straight and together as you raise them to one side, then lower them to the other side.
    3. Keep your upper body stable throughout the movement.

    L-Sit

    This variation works your abs, hip flexors, and core, as well as your upper body and grip strength.

    1. Start by hanging from a pull-up bar with your arms straight.
    2. Raise your legs straight out in front of you until they are parallel to the ground. Hold for as long as you can.

    Incorporating these variations into your ACFT hanging leg tuck routine can help you avoid boredom and achieve greater gains in core strength and stability. As always, make sure to use proper form and technique to avoid injury.

    ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck: 5 Alternatives to Build Your Core Strength

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is a challenging exercise that targets your abs and hip flexors, and is a popular choice for military fitness testing. However, if you want to mix up your routine or don’t have access to the equipment needed for this exercise, there are plenty of alternatives you can try. In this section, we’ll explore five exercises that target your core and can help you build strength and improve your performance.

    Plank

    The Plank is a classic exercise that targets your entire core, including your abs, back, and glutes.

    To perform a Plank:

    1. Start in a push-up position with your arms straight and your hands shoulder-width apart.
    2. Lower your forearms to the ground and hold your body in a straight line from your head to your heels.
    3. Hold for 30-60 seconds, and repeat for 3-5 sets.

    V-Ups

    V-Ups are a challenging exercise that target your abs and hip flexors.

    To perform V-Ups:

    1. Lie on your back with your arms and legs straight.
    2. Lift your arms and legs towards each other, meeting in the middle to form a V shape.
    3. Lower back down, and repeat for 3-5 sets of 10-15 reps.

    Mountain Climbers

    Mountain Climbers are a full-body exercise that target your abs, arms, and legs.

    To perform Mountain Climbers:

    1. Start in a push-up position with your arms straight and your hands shoulder-width apart.
    2. Bring your right knee towards your chest, and then quickly switch legs, bringing your left knee towards your chest and your right leg back.
    3. Continue to alternate for 30-60 seconds, and repeat for 3-5 sets.

    Bicycle Crunch

    The Bicycle Crunch is a fun and effective exercise that targets your abs and obliques.

    To perform a Bicycle Crunch:

    1. Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your knees bent.
    2. Lift your shoulders off the ground and bring your right elbow towards your left knee, straightening your right leg.
    3. Twist to the other side, bringing your left elbow towards your right knee and straightening your left leg.
    4. Repeat for 3-5 sets of 10-15 reps.

    Hanging Knee Raise

    1. The Hanging Knee Raise is a great alternative to the Hanging Leg Tuck, as it still targets your abs and hip flexors.
    2. Hang from a pull-up bar with your arms straight, and lift your knees towards your chest.
    3. Lower back down, and repeat for 3-5 sets of 10-15 reps.

    Incorporating these alternatives to the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck into your routine is a great way to target your core and build strength. These exercises require little to no equipment and can be done at home or at the gym. Give them a try and see how they work for you!

    ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck: Tips and Tricks for a Stronger Core

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is an excellent exercise for building core strength and improving your overall fitness. It targets your abdominal muscles, hip flexors, and lower back muscles. In this section, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you perform the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck correctly and get the most out of it.

    • Warm-Up: Before performing the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck, it’s essential to warm up your core and lower body muscles. You can do some light jogging, jumping jacks, or other aerobic exercises to get your blood flowing and increase your heart rate.
    • Proper Form: Maintaining proper form is crucial when performing the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck. Start by hanging from a bar with your arms straight and your hands shoulder-width apart. Lift your legs and bend your knees, bringing them up towards your chest. Pause briefly at the top of the movement, then slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position.
    • Engage Your Core: To perform the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck correctly, you need to engage your core muscles. Before you begin the exercise, take a deep breath, and draw your belly button towards your spine. This action activates your core muscles and helps you maintain proper form during the exercise.
    • Breathe Properly: Breathing properly is essential during the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck. Inhale as you lift your legs towards your chest, hold your breath briefly at the top of the movement, and exhale as you lower your legs back down to the starting position. This breathing pattern helps you maintain proper form and engages your core muscles effectively.
    • Maintain Control: When performing the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck, it’s crucial to maintain control throughout the movement. Don’t swing your body or use momentum to lift your legs. Instead, use your core muscles to control your movements and maintain proper form.
    • Don’t Overdo It: The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck can be challenging, so don’t overdo it. Start with a few reps and gradually increase the number of reps and sets as your core strength improves. Overdoing it can lead to muscle strain or injury.
    • Stretch Your Muscles: Stretching your core and lower body muscles before and after the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck can help prevent muscle strain and injury. Stretch your abdominal muscles, hip flexors, and lower back muscles before and after the exercise.
    • Use a Mat: Using a mat or a cushion can help reduce the impact on your hands and wrists while performing the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck.
    • Mix it Up: Mixing up your ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck routine can help keep your workout fresh and challenging. You can try performing the exercise with your legs straight or with your knees bent to increase the difficulty level.
    • Stay Consistent: Consistency is the key to success with any exercise routine. Incorporate the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck into your workout routine at least twice a week, and gradually increase the frequency as your core strength improves.
    MUST READ  Decline Oblique Crunch (Strengthen Abs and Obliques) Technique Tips

    Incorporating these tips and tricks into your ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck routine can help you get the most out of this exercise and achieve a stronger core. Remember to always maintain proper form, engage your core muscles, and listen to your body. With time and practice, you’ll be able to perform the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck like a pro and achieve your fitness goals.

    Incorporating ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck into Your Workout Routine for Maximum Effect

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is a challenging exercise that targets your core muscles, specifically your rectus abdominis, obliques, and hip flexors. Here are some tips to help you incorporate this exercise into your workout routine for maximum effect:

    • Warm-up properly: Before doing the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck, it’s important to warm up your core muscles. This can include exercises like planks, bird dogs, and glute bridges.
    • Use proper form: To perform the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck, start by hanging from a pull-up bar with your arms fully extended. Engage your core, then lift your knees up towards your chest, keeping them together. Pause for a second, then slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position. Make sure to keep your back straight and your movements controlled throughout the exercise.
    • Mix up your routine: Don’t just perform the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck in isolation. Mix it up by incorporating other exercises that target your core muscles, such as bicycle crunches, Russian twists, and planks.
    • Vary the rep range: To maximize the benefits of the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck, try varying the rep range. You can perform sets of 10-12 reps with longer rest periods to build strength or sets of 15-20 reps with shorter rest periods to focus on muscular endurance.
    • Use progressive overload: To continue to see progress, you’ll need to use progressive overload, which means gradually increasing the number of reps, sets, or difficulty level over time. This will challenge your muscles and help them grow stronger.
    • Don’t overdo it: It’s important to give your muscles time to recover, so don’t overdo it with the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck. Aim to perform 3-4 sets of 10-15 reps, 1-2 times per week.
    • Focus on your breathing: It’s important to exhale as you lift your knees up and inhale as you lower them back down. This will help you engage your core muscles and get the most out of each rep.
    • Engage your grip strength: The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck also requires a strong grip. To improve your grip strength, try hanging from the pull-up bar for longer periods of time or using grip-strengthening exercises like farmers walks or wrist curls.
    • Rest between sets: Allow your muscles time to recover between sets. Rest for 30-60 seconds between sets to ensure that you’re performing each rep with proper form.
    • Increase difficulty level: Once you have mastered the basic form of the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck, you can increase the difficulty level by extending your legs straight out or adding ankle weights.

    By incorporating these tips into your workout routine, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing the benefits of the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck and achieving a stronger, more toned core.

    Ultimate Workout Plan for ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is a challenging exercise that requires a lot of upper body and core strength. If you’re looking to improve your performance on the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), adding this exercise to your workout routine can be beneficial. Here’s a one-week workout plan to help you master the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck:

    Day 1: Chest and Abs

    • Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of cardio
    • Barbell Bench Press: 3 sets x 10 reps
    • Incline Dumbbell Flyes: 3 sets x 12 reps
    • ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck: 3 sets x 10 reps
    • Cable Crossover: 3 sets x 10 reps
    • Bicycle Crunches: 3 sets x 20 reps
    • Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of stretching

    Day 2: Rest Day

    Day 3: Back and Abs

    • Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of cardio
    • Pull-ups: 3 sets x 10 reps
    • Lat Pulldown: 3 sets x 12 reps
    • Seated Cable Rows: 3 sets x 10 reps
    • ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck: 3 sets x 10 reps
    • Plank: 3 sets x 30 seconds
    • Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of stretching

    Day 4: Rest Day

    Day 5: Shoulders and Abs

    • Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of cardio
    • Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press: 3 sets x 10 reps
    • Side Lateral Raise: 3 sets x 12 reps
    • Front Dumbbell Raise: 3 sets x 10 reps
    • ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck: 3 sets x 10 reps
    • Russian Twist: 3 sets x 12 reps
    • Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of stretching

    Day 6: Rest Day

    Day 7: Legs and Abs

    • Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of cardio
    • Barbell Squats: 3 sets x 10 reps
    • Leg Press: 3 sets x 12 reps
    • Romanian Deadlifts: 3 sets x 10 reps
    • ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck: 3 sets x 10 reps
    • Plank to Push-up: 3 sets x 10 reps
    • Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of stretching

    Remember to start slow and focus on proper form and technique when performing the ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck. It’s essential to engage your core muscles throughout the movement and lift your legs up to the bar with control. With consistent practice and effort, you’ll be able to master this challenging exercise and excel on the ACFT!

    Conclusion

    The ACFT Hanging Leg Tuck is undoubtedly a challenging exercise that requires a lot of upper body strength and core stability. However, with consistent practice and proper form, anyone can master this exercise and achieve their fitness goals. So, if you’re preparing for the ACFT or simply want to improve your core and upper body strength, give the Hanging Leg Tuck a try and see the results for yourself. Thanks for reading, and keep fit with FitGAG!

    Author

    • Todd Miller

      Todd Miller is a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He has been a CrossFit athlete and coach for over 8 years, and he is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall health and wellness. As an author at FitGAG, Todd shares his knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics related to CrossFit, including functional fitness movements, Olympic weightlifting, and overall health and wellness. He believes that CrossFit is a fun and effective way to improve overall fitness and well-being, and he strives to inspire his readers to incorporate CrossFit into their fitness routines. Through his articles, Todd aims to provide his readers with practical tips and strategies for optimizing their performance and achieving their fitness goals.

    error: Content is protected !!