Elbow Lever

What it is

This advanced bodyweight skill involves balancing your entire body horizontally, supported only by your elbows and forearms. It primarily engages your core muscles, including the rectus abdominis and obliques, along with significant contribution from your shoulders and triceps for stabilization. You will develop impressive strength and body control as you master this move.

Technique tips

• Keep your core braced tightly throughout the movement.
• Look slightly forward, not down at your hands.
• Press through your elbows to create a strong base.
• Keep your legs straight and squeezed together.
• Start with bent legs if you are still building strength.
• Breathe shallowly to maintain abdominal tension.

How to track your progress

Log the hold time of each set. Straddly keeps your best hold for this exercise and tells you when you beat it, so a two-second gain does not go unnoticed.