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L-Sit

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A bodyweight isometric hold that targets the abs, hip flexors, and triceps to build core compression and shoulder stability; commonly scaled via tuck progressions.

About Exercise

Equipment

Difficulty

4/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Hip Flexors

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Calisthenics

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

10/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Hip Flexors

9/10

Iliopsoas

Quads

7/10

Rectus Femoris

Triceps

7/10

Shoulders

6/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

1-3 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds • Recover fully between holds

How to Perform

Sit on the floor with legs extended forward and hands placed beside hips, fingers pointing forward.

  1. Press hands firmly into the floor to depress shoulders and lock elbows.
  2. Engage core and hip flexors to lift hips and legs off the ground.
  3. Keep legs straight and squeezed together with toes pointed.
  4. Maintain a neutral spine and keep shoulders down away from ears.
  5. Hold the position for the target time.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Push the floor away
  • Shoulders down
  • Lock your knees
  • Point your toes
  • Compress ribs to hips

Breathing

Breathe shallowly into the diaphragm while maintaining strong core bracing.

Tempo

0-1-0

Range of Motion

Hips and feet must remain off the floor; legs parallel to the ground.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure adequate wrist mobility before attempting
  • Stop if you feel sharp pain in shoulders
  • Progress from a tuck L-sit if full extension is too difficult

Spotting

Not recommended; use self-supported regressions like the Tuck L-Sit.

Common Mistakes

  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Bending knees
  • Rounding the lower back
  • Holding breath
  • Leaning too far back

When to Avoid

  • Wrist injuries
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Lower back issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Hamstring flexibility for straight legs
  • Shoulder flexion range

Build Up First

  • Master plank holds
  • Build scapular depression strength
  • Practice tuck holds

Also known as

Floor L-Sit, L Sit Hold

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