ActiveRunningForget crunches – this is my favourite ab exercise for a stronger coreThe L-sit is also a one-move full-body workout that strengthens the arms, shoulders and the whole coreWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveRunningForget crunches – this is my favourite ab exercise for a stronger coreThe L-sit is also a one-move full-body workout that strengthens the arms, shoulders and the whole coreWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The L-sit is also a one-move full-body workout that strengthens the arms, shoulders and the whole core
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Finding the right exercise to train your core can be challenging. With so many different core workouts out there, just making a decision about which one to include in your home workouts can be exhausting, let alonedoingthe workout. My choice of core exercise is a move that not only trains the abs but also gives my whole upper body a run for its money.
The exercise is called the L-sit and in my opinion, it’s one of thebest core exercises. This bodyweight workout is up there withplanksandhanging leg raiseswhen it comes to training your whole core (and whole body) effectively with simple movements. And just like planks, you can do L-sits without using any equipment, on the floor, balancing on your hands.
Forget crunches; doing L-sits is the best way toget a six-pack!
How to do L-sits: what are isometric exercises?
Isometric exercises are a whole different ball game. Like many other callisthenics moves - these use bodyweight as resistance - it was borrowed from gymnastics, where they use loads of isometrics exercises for training and competition. You must have seen gymnasts up on the rings with their feet pointed forward in a sitting position; that’s essentially a ring L-sit, a variation of the exercise we’re talking about today.
How to do L-sits: your secret weapon to six-pack gains
The L-sit is not a complicated exercise. In theory, all you have to do is pretend you’re sitting with your legs straight, only in the air. How to master the L-sit is a bit more nuanced than this and might take some getting used to.
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First of all, to be able to sit with your back straight with your legs perpendicular to your upper body requires a certain level of hamstring flexibility. This is probably the first thing you should start working on; start doing more stretching. Using afoam rollercan help prime the hamstrings before stretching sessions.
Another area that will be worked hard is the wrist, especially if you’re planning on doing L-sits on the floor. Just like when you’re doingpush-ups, the wrist flexor will be workedhardduring L-sits. Make sure you also prime this body part before you start the exercise.
For this exact reason (too much pressure on the wrist flexor), I prefer using parallettes when doing L-sits. This simple and inexpensive piece of home gym equipment helps put the wrists in a more natural position which might help avoid injuries.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
How to do L-sits: best L-sit alternatives
There are three main variations of L-sits: ring L-sit, parallette L-sit and floor L-sit. You shouldn’t worry about ring L-sits; that’s mainly for Youtube influencers and gymnasts. The other two is what you should focus on.
I recommend using parallettes first as they worked best for my wrists. That said, given that you stretch your wrists prior to exercising, floor L-sits can work equally as well. This version has the added benefit of strengthening the wrist flexor over time, although it’s very easy to overexert the wrist and injure yourself doing floor L-sits. Be sensible and pay attention to your body to avoid this from happening.
Other isometric core exercises can supplement L-sit training such as planks and hanging leg raises mentioned above. It’s recommended to switch up your exercise routine regularly to avoid overusing certain body parts too much. And to see results quicker, of course.
This feature is part of T3’sGet Fit 2022campaign. We’ll be bringing you a wealth of guides, features, deals and news to help you get healthy, fit and ready for anything the new year can throw at you. Whether you’re a newcomer to fitness or someone with a passion for it, we’ll bring you all the best workouts, diet advice and gear to set you on the right track.
This feature is part of T3’sGet Fit 2022campaign. We’ll be bringing you a wealth of guides, features, deals and news to help you get healthy, fit and ready for anything the new year can throw at you. Whether you’re a newcomer to fitness or someone with a passion for it, we’ll bring you all the best workouts, diet advice and gear to set you on the right track.
This feature is part of T3’sGet Fit 2022campaign. We’ll be bringing you a wealth of guides, features, deals and news to help you get healthy, fit and ready for anything the new year can throw at you. Whether you’re a newcomer to fitness or someone with a passion for it, we’ll bring you all the best workouts, diet advice and gear to set you on the right track.
This feature is part of T3’sGet Fit 2022campaign. We’ll be bringing you a wealth of guides, features, deals and news to help you get healthy, fit and ready for anything the new year can throw at you. Whether you’re a newcomer to fitness or someone with a passion for it, we’ll bring you all the best workouts, diet advice and gear to set you on the right track.
This feature is part of T3’sGet Fit 2022campaign. We’ll be bringing you a wealth of guides, features, deals and news to help you get healthy, fit and ready for anything the new year can throw at you. Whether you’re a newcomer to fitness or someone with a passion for it, we’ll bring you all the best workouts, diet advice and gear to set you on the right track.
This feature is part of T3’sGet Fit 2022campaign. We’ll be bringing you a wealth of guides, features, deals and news to help you get healthy, fit and ready for anything the new year can throw at you. Whether you’re a newcomer to fitness or someone with a passion for it, we’ll bring you all the best workouts, diet advice and gear to set you on the right track.
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