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Resistance Band Pallof Hold

Intermediate
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A static core exercise using a resistance band anchored at chest height, targeting the obliques and deep core stabilizers to build anti-rotation strength and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Glutes

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Stability
Endurance
Mobility

Training Style

Functional Training
Sports Performance

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

10/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

10/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Glutes

3/10

Glute Max

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

45-90 seconds • Rest primarily involves switching sides.

How to Perform

Secure a resistance band to an anchor point at chest height. Stand perpendicular to the anchor, grasping the band with both hands directly in front of your sternum, creating light tension.

  1. Step slightly away from the anchor to increase resistance while maintaining a stable, square stance.
  2. Press your hands straight forward, fully extending your arms away from your chest.
  3. Brace your core tightly, actively resisting the band's pull trying to rotate your torso toward the anchor.
  4. Hold this position statically for the prescribed time, keeping your hips and shoulders square.
  5. Slowly return the band to your chest, then switch sides and repeat.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Brace hard
  • Keep hands centered
  • No twisting
  • Shoulders square
  • Hips forward

Breathing

Inhale deeply, brace your core tightly before extending, and maintain shallow, consistent breathing throughout the hold.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Extend arms fully until elbows are locked out, maintaining a straight torso and neutral spine without rotation.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure the anchor point is stable and secure before applying tension.
  • Start with a light band until you master core bracing.
  • Discontinue immediately if you feel sharp pain in your back or shoulders.

Spotting

Not recommended; adjust band tension or step closer to the anchor point if control is lost.

Common Mistakes

  • Allowing the torso to rotate toward the anchor point.
  • Failing to fully extend the arms to maximize leverage challenge.
  • Holding breath instead of bracing and breathing.

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain or disc issues.
  • Severe shoulder instability.

Flexibility Needed

  • Ability to maintain a neutral spine.

Build Up First

  • Competency in core bracing (hollowing/bracing).

Also known as

Pallof Hold Banded, Banded Anti-Rotation Hold, Band Anti-Twist Hold

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