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Resistance Band Pallof Press

Beginner
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A resistance band core stability exercise where the user presses the band outward from the chest, actively resisting rotational force. It primarily strengthens the obliques and deep core stabilizers.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques, Abs

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Lower Back

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Stability
Hypertrophy
Endurance

Training Style

Functional Training
Sports Performance

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

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Lower Back

3/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-90 seconds • Keep rest minimal as this is often used in warmups or circuits.

How to Perform

Anchor a resistance band firmly at chest height. Stand perpendicular to the anchor point, taking a few steps away until the band is taut. Hold the end of the band with both hands at your sternum.

  1. Brace your core tightly, maintaining a rigid torso and neutral spine alignment.
  2. Slowly press the band straight forward until your arms are fully extended.
  3. Actively resist the rotational pull exerted by the band toward the anchor point.
  4. Pause briefly while maintaining absolute stability in the extended position.
  5. Slowly return your hands to the center of your chest under control.
  6. Complete all reps facing one direction, then switch sides.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Do not allow rotation.
  • Brace hard, breathe shallow.
  • Lock the rib cage down.
  • Hips square to the front.
  • Push straight out.

Breathing

Inhale before extending the arms; brace the core strongly throughout the movement, exhaling slowly upon full extension.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

The movement spans from the hands held at the sternum to full elbow extension, ensuring the arms are straight out and perpendicular to the anchor.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Focus on core stability and controlled movement over using heavy resistance.
  • Stop immediately if you feel sharp pain in the lower back or shoulders.

Spotting

Not recommended; form breakdown usually indicates excessive resistance, not a need for spotting.

Common Mistakes

  • Letting the torso twist towards the anchor.
  • Arching or rounding the low back.
  • Shrugging the shoulders during the press.
  • Moving too quickly or losing tension.

When to Avoid

  • Acute pain in the shoulder or lower back.

Build Up First

  • Basic ability to maintain a neutral spine.

Also known as

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

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