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Resistance Band Pallof Hold

Intermediate
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An anti-rotation isometric core exercise using a resistance band that targets obliques and deep abs to build spinal stability and prevent injury; enhances performance in compound lifts.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques, Abs

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Glutes

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Stability
Strength
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Obliques

9/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Abs

8/10

Transverse Abdominis, Rectus Abdominis

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Glutes

4/10

Glute Max

Programming

Typical Rep Range

20-45 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds • Rest longer if switching sides

How to Perform

Anchor a resistance band at chest height to a sturdy point. Stand perpendicular with feet shoulder-width, holding the band at your chest.

  1. Step away to create band tension.
  2. Brace your core and squeeze glutes.
  3. Press hands straight forward to full arm extension.
  4. Hold position without rotating torso.
  5. Breathe steadily while resisting pull.
  6. Return hands to chest slowly.
  7. Switch sides after reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Brace like expecting a punch.
  • Keep hips and shoulders square.
  • Eyes forward, no twisting.
  • Squeeze glutes for stability.
  • Shoulders down and back.

Breathing

Inhale deeply to brace core before pressing; exhale slowly while holding, maintaining intra-abdominal pressure.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Extend arms fully at chest height with elbows straight; torso remains square and upright without any hip or shoulder rotation.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use a secure anchor to prevent slippage.
  • Select band resistance allowing form maintenance.
  • Avoid if acute lower back pain exists.
  • Inspect band for damage before use.
  • Stop if sharp pain in core or shoulders occurs.

Spotting

No spotter needed; perform in open space or use self-spotting by reducing tension if form breaks.

Common Mistakes

  • Allowing torso to rotate toward anchor.
  • Arching or rounding the lower back.
  • Shrugging shoulders.
  • Leaning away from the band.
  • Holding breath too long.

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Recent abdominal surgery
  • Shoulder impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion for arm extension
  • Hip mobility for stable stance

Build Up First

  • Basic core bracing technique
  • Familiarity with resistance band setup

Also known as

Banded Pallof Press Hold, Band Anti-Rotation Hold, Pallof Isometric Press

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