L-sit Progression Plan

Mastering the L-Sit: A Bodyweight Skill Breakdown and Gym Routine Integration 

When it comes to bodyweight exercises, the L-sit is a challenging skill that showcases impressive strength, stability, and core control. While it may seem intimidating at first, breaking down the movement into five main progressions can help you build the necessary strength and technique to conquer this impressive feat. In this blog post, we will explore these progressions and discuss how to incorporate them into your gym routine for optimal results. 

Progression 1: L-Sit Preparation: 

Before diving into the full L-sit, it’s essential to build a foundation of core strength and flexibility. Begin by practicing the following exercises: 

1. Hollow Body Hold: Lie on your back with your arms extended overhead and your legs straight. Lift your head, shoulders, and legs off the ground, engaging your core muscles. Aim to hold this position for 20-30 seconds, gradually increasing the duration over time.

2. Support Hold: Sit on parallel bars or dip bars with your hands gripping the bars and your legs extended in front of you. Lift your body off the ground, keeping your arms straight and your shoulders down. Start with shorter holds and gradually work your way up to 20-30 seconds.

Purchase Gravity Fitness Medium Pro Hybrid Parallettes here.

Progression 2: Tuck L-Sit: 

Once you have developed sufficient core strength and stability, progress to the tuck L-sit. This variation reduces the leverage and makes it easier to hold the position. Follow these steps: 

1. Sit on the ground with your knees bent and pulled towards your chest. Place your hands by your sides, fingers pointing forward.

2. Press your hands into the ground and lift your hips off the floor. Try to keep your legs tucked as close to your chest as possible.

3. Focus on keeping your shoulders depressed and your core engaged. Start with shorter holds and gradually work your way up to 20-30 seconds.

Purchase Gravity Fitness Medium Pro Hybrid Parallettes here.

Progression 3: One-Leg L-Sit: 

As you gain proficiency in the tuck L-sit, challenge yourself further by extending one leg at a time. This progression increases the difficulty and enhances your hip flexor and hamstring strength. Here’s how to perform the one-leg L-sit: 

1. Begin in the tuck L-sit position.

2. Slowly extend one leg out in front of you while keeping the other leg tucked.

3. Aim to hold this position for 10-15 seconds per leg, gradually increasing the duration as your strength improves.

Purchase Gravity Fitness Medium Pro Hybrid Parallettes here.

Progression 4: Advanced L-Sit: 

The next step in your L-sit journey is the full L-sit. This variation requires exceptional core and shoulder strength, as well as flexibility in the hamstrings. Follow these steps: 

1. Sit on the ground with your legs extended in front of you, feet pointed, and hands placed on the ground by your sides.

2. Press your hands into the ground and lift your body off the floor, keeping your legs extended and parallel to the ground.

3. Aim to hold this position for 10-15 seconds initially, gradually working your way up to longer holds as you become more proficient.

Progression 5: Dynamic L-Sit Variations: 

Once you have mastered the static L-sit, you can add some dynamic variations to further challenge yourself and enhance your overall strength and control. Some options include: 

1. L-Sit to Handstand: From the L-sit position, press through your hands to lift your body into a handstand, then lower back down into the L-sit. This exercise improves shoulder and core strength while developing body control.

2. L-Sit Leg Raises: While holding the L-sit, raise your legs straight out in front of you, aiming to bring them parallel to the ground. This movement targets the hip flexors and enhances core stability. This also will help with mastering the V-sit.

Purchase Gravity Fitness Medium Pro Hybrid Parallettes here.

Implementing Progressions into Your Gym Routine: 

To incorporate these L-sit progressions effectively into your gym routine, consider the following guidelines: 

1. Warm up adequately: Begin with light cardio and dynamic stretches to prepare your muscles for the workout ahead.

2. Practice L-sit progressions at the beginning of your workout: This ensures you have maximum energy and focus. for these demanding exercises.

3. Start with lower sets and gradually increase: Begin with 2-3 sets of each progression and aim to increase the number of sets or duration over time.

4. Allow for adequate rest: Rest periods of 60-90 seconds between sets will help you maintain optimal strength and form.

5. Consistency is key: Aim to incorporate L-sit progressions into your routine at least 2-3 times per week to see significant progress and improvements in your L-sit ability.

Mastering the L-sit is an impressive accomplishment that requires time, dedication, and progressive training. By breaking down the movement into these five progressions and incorporating them into your gym routine consistently, you can develop the strength, stability, and core control necessary to conquer this challenging bodyweight skill. Make sure to check out PhD’s range of products to help you conquer the L-sit. Whether that’s Charge pre-workout powder to help maximise your performance in the gym or Diet Whey to maximise lean muscle post-workout. So, get started, stay persistent, and enjoy the journey towards mastering the L-sit! 

Written by Team PhD