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Bodyweight L-Sit

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An isometric calisthenics hold targeting abs, hip flexors, and shoulders to build core compression and stability; progressed from tucked to full leg extension.

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 forward. Elevate using parallettes if needed for clearance.

  1. Push into the floor with straight arms to lift hips off the ground.
  2. Depress and retract shoulder blades to engage upper body.
  3. Engage core and squeeze quads to extend legs parallel to floor.
  4. Point toes and keep legs together.
  5. Maintain upright torso forming an L shape.
  6. Hold position with steady breathing.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Depress shoulders
  • Lock elbows
  • Brace core tight
  • Extend legs straight
  • Point toes
  • Keep back neutral

Breathing

Inhale deeply through nose, exhale through mouth; brace core without holding breath.

Tempo

0-10-0

Range of Motion

Legs fully extended parallel to floor at 90 degrees from torso; shoulders depressed below ears.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Warm up wrists and shoulders first
  • Progress gradually from tucks
  • Avoid if acute wrist or shoulder pain
  • Ensure hamstring flexibility
  • Stop if sharp pain occurs
  • Maintain neutral spine

Spotting

No spotting needed; use self-supported progressions or crash mat for safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Shrugging shoulders up
  • Rounding lower back
  • Bending knees
  • Allowing hips to sag
  • Overarching spine
  • Gripping too tightly

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

L-Sit, Floor L-Sit

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