Ring Straddle Back Lever
An advanced static hold on rings with legs straddled wide where the body is held horizontal and inverted. Requires exceptional shoulder and core strength.
Instructions
- Hang from the rings with arms straight and shoulder-width grip.
- Bring your legs to a straddle position (wide apart) as you rotate your shoulders backward.
- Continue rotating until your body is horizontal and parallel to the ground, facing downward.
- Press hard into the rings, keeping your shoulders protracted and arms straight.
- Maintain a straight body line from head to feet with legs straddled for stability.
- Hold this position for the desired duration, maintaining continuous tension.
- Lower back to the hang position with control.
Tips
- Straddle position makes this significantly easier than full back lever—progress as strength increases.
- Keep shoulders packed and engaged throughout the hold.
- Breathe continuously; do not hold your breath.
- Use parallel ring turnouts for additional mechanical advantage.
- Build up hold duration gradually to avoid shoulder strain.
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
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