AbsQuadsShouldersBodyweightintermediate

Bodyweight Hollow Body Hold

The hollow body hold is a gymnastics-origin isometric exercise that trains total anterior core activation. Lie on your back and lift your arms, head, shoulders, and legs off the ground, maintaining a banana-shaped position under constant tension.

How to Perform

1

Lie on your back and press your lower back firmly into the floor — eliminate any gap.

2

Extend your arms overhead and lift your head, shoulders, and arms off the ground.

3

Lift your legs a few inches off the floor while keeping them straight and squeezing together.

4

Hold this banana shape — your lower back must stay glued to the ground the entire time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Allowing the lower back to arch off the floor, which shifts stress to the lumbar spine and disengages the abs.

Lifting the legs too high, which makes the exercise easier and reduces core demand.

Holding your breath — you need to breathe shallowly while maintaining tension.

Bending the knees or arms to make it easier instead of regressing by raising limbs higher.

Muscle Activation

Abs90%
Quads20%
Shoulders15%

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Workouts Featuring Bodyweight Hollow Body Hold