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Resistance Band Pallof Press

Intermediate
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Resistance band anti-rotation exercise that targets obliques and transverse abdominis to build core stability and resist rotational forces; used for injury prevention and functional strength.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques, Abs

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back

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

10/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Abs

9/10

Transverse Abdominis, Rectus Abdominis

Glutes

6/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor a resistance band at chest height to a sturdy point. Stand perpendicular to the anchor, grasp the band with both hands at chest level, and step away to create tension with feet hip-width apart.

  1. Brace your core and squeeze glutes.
  2. Press the band straight forward until arms are fully extended.
  3. Resist the rotational pull to keep torso square.
  4. Hold the extension for 2 seconds.
  5. Slowly return hands to chest while maintaining resistance.
  6. Switch sides after completing reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Brace like expecting a punch.
  • Keep hips and shoulders square.
  • Press straight, don't drift.
  • Maintain neutral spine.

Breathing

Inhale to brace core before pressing; exhale as you extend arms and hold.

Tempo

2-2-2

Range of Motion

Extend arms fully forward from chest without torso rotation; return to chest without arching back.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Inspect band for damage before use.
  • Use stable anchor to prevent movement.
  • Start with light resistance to master form.
  • Stop if lower back pain occurs.

Spotting

No spotter needed; self-supported exercise.

Common Mistakes

  • Twisting torso toward anchor.
  • Arching lower back.
  • Using momentum instead of control.
  • Elevating shoulders.

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Recent abdominal surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion
  • Hip mobility for stable stance

Build Up First

  • Core bracing proficiency
  • Basic anti-rotation awareness

Also known as

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

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