Ring Straddle Front Lever

Level
expert
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
rings
Primary Muscles

An advanced static hold on rings with legs straddled wide where the body is held horizontal and prone. Demands significant lat and pulling strength.

Instructions

  1. Hang from the rings with arms straight, hands approximately shoulder-width apart.
  2. Bring your legs to a straddle position (wide apart) and begin pulling your body toward horizontal.
  3. Maintain a straight body from head to feet as you achieve a horizontal position facing upward.
  4. Keep your arms extended and core engaged to prevent sagging.
  5. Protract the shoulders to engage the back muscles fully.
  6. Hold this position for the desired duration with continuous tension.
  7. Lower back to the hang position with control.

Tips

  • The straddle position significantly reduces difficulty compared to full front lever.
  • Start with partial holds (not fully horizontal) and progress gradually.
  • Engage your lats actively by depressing the shoulders.
  • Maintain equal weight distribution across both legs.
  • This requires exceptional pulling strength—ensure adequate training before attempting.

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
intermediate calisthenics
expert calisthenics
intermediate calisthenics