L Hold
Level
intermediate
Force
static
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
pull up bar Category
calisthenics Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
An isometric calisthenics exercise where the lifter maintains an L-shaped body position by keeping their legs straight and parallel to the ground while hanging.
Instructions
- Hang from a pull-up bar with a shoulder-width grip, arms fully extended.
- Engage your core muscles and hip flexors to lift your legs up together.
- Raise your straight legs until they are parallel to the ground, creating an L shape with your body.
- Keep your legs perfectly straight and together throughout the hold.
- Maintain an upright torso position with shoulders engaged and stable.
- Hold this position for as long as possible while breathing steadily.
- Lower your legs under control when you can no longer maintain the L position.
- Rest briefly and repeat for additional sets.
Tips
- Start with bent knees if full leg extension is too challenging
- Maintain shoulder engagement to prevent excessive swinging
- Keep your core tight throughout the entire hold
- Focus on steady breathing rather than holding your breath
- This exercise builds tremendous core and grip strength
- Progressively longer holds will increase strength and endurance
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 |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
L-Sit
Learn more about l-sit expert calisthenics
L-Sit on Bench
Learn more about l-sit on bench expert calisthenics