Front Lever
Level
expert
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
pull up bar Category
calisthenics Secondary Muscles
An advanced bodyweight exercise where the body is held horizontally in front of a bar using scapular depression and horizontal pulling strength, building extraordinary upper-body isometric power.
Instructions
- Grip the pull-up bar with a shoulder-width underhand or neutral grip.
- Hang from the bar with your arms extended and your body in a vertical position.
- Engage your shoulders and back by depressing your scapula (pulling shoulders away from ears).
- Tilt your torso backward and tuck your knees to your chest as you progress from beginner positions.
- As strength increases, gradually extend your legs to achieve more horizontal body positions.
- Maintain a completely horizontal body position with your hips, knees, and shoulders aligned.
- Hold the position by maintaining constant tension through your chest, shoulders, and core.
- Lower yourself back to a hang position to complete one repetition.
Tips
- This is an advanced skill that requires progressive training through regression holds.
- Begin with tucked knee positions and gradually straighten your body as strength develops.
- The front lever requires exceptional pulling strength and body awareness to execute safely.
- Consistent training and patience are essential; progression often takes months or years.
- Proper grip strength and shoulder mobility are prerequisites for safe training.
- Pair this with dedicated chest, shoulder, and core training for optimal development.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Hold |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 5 s |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 s |
| Build endurance | 3 | 15 s |