Ring Tuck Back Lever
Level
intermediate
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
rings Category
calisthenics Secondary Muscles
A progression toward full back lever where the body is horizontal and inverted with legs in a tuck position. More manageable than straddle variation while building posterior chain strength.
Instructions
- Hang from the rings with arms straight and shoulder-width grip.
- Bring your knees to your chest in a tuck position as you rotate your shoulders backward.
- Continue rotating until your body is roughly horizontal and parallel to the ground, facing downward.
- Press hard into the rings, keeping your shoulders engaged and protracted.
- Maintain a straight line from head to knees with controlled tension.
- Hold this position for the desired duration.
- Lower back to the hang position with control.
Tips
- Tuck position significantly reduces difficulty compared to full or straddle back lever.
- Keep shoulders packed throughout the hold.
- Gradually extend legs as strength improves.
- Breathe continuously throughout the hold.
- This is an excellent progression for developing back lever strength.
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.
Decline Push-Up (Medicine Ball)
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