L Hold

Level
intermediate
Force
static
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
pull up bar
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

  1. Hang from a pull-up bar with a shoulder-width grip, arms fully extended.
  2. Engage your core muscles and hip flexors to lift your legs up together.
  3. Raise your straight legs until they are parallel to the ground, creating an L shape with your body.
  4. Keep your legs perfectly straight and together throughout the hold.
  5. Maintain an upright torso position with shoulders engaged and stable.
  6. Hold this position for as long as possible while breathing steadily.
  7. Lower your legs under control when you can no longer maintain the L position.
  8. 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.

expert calisthenics
expert calisthenics