Isometric Power Lab

An intense, full-body isometric lab that stacks lower-body holds, plank complexes, and core finishers.

24 min Advanced

About This Advanced Isometric Strength Routine

This is the ultimate isometric strength challenge. The lab takes you through every major muscle group using only sustained holds, building the kind of deep, functional strength that dynamic exercises alone can’t develop. It’s comprehensive, demanding, and extremely effective.

What This Routine Targets

This lab leaves nothing out. You’ll work every squat variation for lower body strength, progress through multiple plank positions for core and shoulder stability, build posterior chain power through bridges and supermans, and finish with advanced holds including pike variations and wall work.

What’s Included

This twenty-two minute routine includes forty-one isometric exercises. The comprehensive nature makes this a true full-body strength session. Hold times range from thirty seconds to one minute, with more challenging positions receiving extended attention.

Who Should Try This

This lab is for serious practitioners who want comprehensive strength work without weights. You should have experience with basic isometric holds and planks before attempting this session. Athletes, bodyweight training enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a challenging strength challenge will find value here.

Tips for Best Results

Pace yourself through this lab. Twenty-two minutes of continuous holds is demanding, so don’t start too intensely. Focus on form rather than just surviving each position. Take brief recovery moments between holds if needed, but keep rest minimal.

Squat Hold

Squat Hold

Duration: 0:30

Sit low in a squat and hold to build endurance in your legs and glutes.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Calves Hamstrings Quadriceps Glutes

Instructions

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and toes slightly turned out.
  • Lower your hips back and down as if sitting into a chair while keeping weight in your heels.
  • Lift your chest, keep your back straight, and hold the squat with steady breathing.

Tips

  • Work toward thighs parallel to the floor.
  • Track knees in line with toes to protect your joints.

Adjustments

  • Stay a bit higher if you want a lighter option.
Narrow Squat Hold

Narrow Squat Hold

Duration: 0:30

Sit low in a narrow squat to build leg strength and fire up your glutes without moving an inch.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Calves Hamstrings Quadriceps Glutes

Instructions

  • Stand with feet together or nearly touching.
  • Lower your hips back and down as if sitting into a chair while keeping weight in your heels.
  • Lift your chest, keep your back straight, and hold the squat while breathing steadily.

Tips

  • Aim to bring thighs parallel to the floor if possible.
  • Track your knees in line with your toes to protect your joints.

Adjustments

  • Stay higher in the squat if you need less intensity.
Sumo Squat Hold

Sumo Squat Hold

Duration: 0:30

Drop into a wide-stance squat and hold to build leg strength while opening your hips.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Calves Hips Hamstrings Quadriceps Glutes

Instructions

  • Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width and toes pointing outward.
  • Lower your hips back and down, keeping weight in your heels.
  • Lift your chest, keep your back straight, and hold the wide squat with steady breathing.

Tips

  • Aim for thighs parallel to the floor if possible.
  • Track your knees over your toes for stability.

Adjustments

  • Stay a bit higher in the squat if you need less intensity.
Split Lunge Hold

Split Lunge Hold

Duration: 1:00

Hold a split lunge to build leg strength and stability while stretching your hip flexors.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Calves Hips Hamstrings Quadriceps Glutes

Instructions

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart and hands on your hips.
  • Step one foot back, lowering your back knee toward the floor without touching down.
  • Keep both knees at ninety degrees and hold the lunge while breathing steadily.

Tips

  • Lift your chest and keep your back straight.
  • Align the front knee directly above the ankle.

Adjustments

  • Stay a little higher if you need less intensity.
  • Hold onto a chair or wall for balance support.
Side Lunge Hold

Side Lunge Hold

Duration: 1:00

Drop into a deep side lunge and hold to strengthen your legs and open your inner thighs.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Calves Hips Hamstrings Quadriceps Glutes

Instructions

  • Stand with feet wide and toes pointing forward.
  • Shift weight to one side, bending that knee and lowering your hips until the thigh is near parallel to the floor.
  • Keep the opposite leg straight and hold the position while breathing steadily.

Tips

  • Lift your chest and keep your back long.
  • Track the bent knee over your toes to stay aligned.

Adjustments

  • Stay higher in the lunge if you need less intensity.
Curtsy Lunge Hold

Curtsy Lunge Hold

Duration: 1:00

Sink into a curtsy lunge hold to torch your glutes and inner thighs while polishing balance.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Calves Hips Hamstrings Quadriceps Glutes

Instructions

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart and arms relaxed.
  • Step one foot diagonally back behind the other, crossing at the thighs.
  • Bend both knees to lower your hips until the front thigh is near parallel and the back knee hovers above the floor.
  • Bring your hands in front of your chest and hold the position while breathing steadily.

Tips

  • Keep your chest lifted and spine tall.
  • Press through the front heel and squeeze the glutes to stay steady.

Adjustments

  • Lower only partway if you are building strength.
  • Lightly touch a wall or chair for balance support.
Pistol Squat Hold

Pistol Squat Hold

Duration: 1:00

Hover in a pistol squat to build fierce single-leg strength and balance.

Difficulty: Advanced

Benefits: Calves Hips Hamstrings Quadriceps Glutes

Instructions

  • Stand tall and lift one leg forward while engaging your core.
  • Sit your hips back and down into a squat on the standing leg, keeping weight through the heel.
  • Reach your arms forward for balance, keep your chest lifted, and hold the position.

Tips

  • Lower until the standing thigh is parallel to the floor if mobility allows, keeping the extended leg straight.
  • Track the standing knee in line with your toes for joint health.

Adjustments

  • Use a smaller range of motion or hold onto a support if you are building up to the full pistol.
Hand Plank

Hand Plank

Duration: 0:30

Hold a high plank to build full-body tension and sharpen your core control.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Triceps Upper Back Obliques Shoulders Chest Lower Back Glutes Abdomen

Instructions

  • Start on hands and knees, then step both feet back to form a straight line from head to heels.
  • Brace your core and press the floor away through your palms.
  • Hold the strong plank position with steady breathing.

Tips

  • Gaze slightly ahead of your hands to keep the neck neutral.

Adjustments

  • Drop to your knees while maintaining a long line from knees to head for a lighter version.
Hand Plank Leg Lift

Hand Plank Leg Lift

Duration: 0:30

Lift one leg in a plank to spark your glutes and make your core work overtime for stability.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Triceps Upper Back Obliques Shoulders Chest Lower Back Glutes Abdomen

Instructions

  • Begin in tabletop, then step both feet back into a strong high plank.
  • Engage your core and glutes, lifting one leg to hip height without twisting the hips.
  • Hold for a steady breath, then lower the leg and switch sides.

Tips

  • Keep the lifted leg level with your hips rather than hiking it up.
  • Maintain a solid plank line from head to heel.

Adjustments

  • Drop the supporting knee to the floor if you need extra stability.
Hand Side Plank

Hand Side Plank

Duration: 0:30

Stack your body in a hand-supported side plank to strengthen your obliques and shoulders.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Triceps Obliques Shoulders Abdomen

Instructions

  • Lie on one side with legs extended and feet stacked.
  • Place your bottom hand on the floor under your shoulder and press into it to lift your hips.
  • Reach the top arm toward the ceiling and hold a straight line from head to heels.
  • Switch sides halfway through the hold.

Tips

  • Keep the supporting wrist aligned under your shoulder.
  • Lift your hips high to stay in a single plane.

Adjustments

  • Lower your bottom knee for extra support.
  • Move to a forearm side plank if your wrist prefers it.
Hand Side Plank Leg Lift

Hand Side Plank Leg Lift

Duration: 0:30

Challenge your balance and glutes by lifting the top leg while holding a strong side plank on your hand.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Triceps Obliques Shoulders Glutes Abdomen

Instructions

  • Lie on one side with legs extended and feet stacked, placing your bottom hand on the floor under your shoulder.
  • Press through the palm to lift hips, creating a straight line from head to heels.
  • Reach your top arm toward the ceiling and lift the top leg up, holding the position with steady breathing.
  • Switch sides halfway through the set.

Tips

  • Keep your supporting wrist stacked under your shoulder for stability.
  • Lift through your hips so your body stays aligned.

Adjustments

  • Drop the bottom knee for extra support if needed.
  • Move to a forearm side plank if your wrist needs a break.
Elbow Plank

Elbow Plank

Duration: 0:30

Hold a solid forearm plank to build core strength and full-body tension from shoulders to toes.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Triceps Upper Back Obliques Shoulders Chest Lower Back Glutes Abdomen

Instructions

  • Start on all fours, then lower forearms to the floor and step both feet back.
  • Engage your core to create a straight line from head to heels.
  • Distribute weight evenly between forearms and feet and hold with steady breathing.

Tips

  • Stack elbows under shoulders for stability.
  • Avoid letting your hips sag or lift too high.

Adjustments

  • Drop to your knees while keeping a straight line from knees to head if you want a lighter option.
Elbow Plank Leg Lift

Elbow Plank Leg Lift

Duration: 0:30

Hover one leg in a forearm plank to challenge your core, glutes, and shoulders all at once.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Triceps Upper Back Obliques Shoulders Chest Lower Back Glutes Abdomen

Instructions

  • Set up on all fours, lower your forearms to the floor, and step both feet back into a strong plank.
  • Engage your core to keep a straight line from head to heels.
  • Lift one leg to hip height without letting the hips twist and hold the position.
  • Lower the leg and switch sides with the same steady control.

Tips

  • Stack elbows directly under shoulders.
  • Keep hips level so the work stays in your core.
  • Lift the leg only as high as you can while maintaining good form.

Adjustments

  • Drop your bottom knee to the floor for extra support if needed.
Elbow Side Plank

Elbow Side Plank

Duration: 0:30

Hold a powerful side plank on your forearm to challenge your obliques and shoulder stability.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Triceps Obliques Shoulders Abdomen

Instructions

  • Lie on one side with legs extended and feet stacked.
  • Place your bottom elbow under your shoulder, forearm flat on the floor.
  • Engage your core and lift your hips to form a straight line from head to heels while the top hand rests on your hip.
  • Hold with steady breathing, then switch sides halfway through.

Tips

  • Keep hips high and stacked so your body stays aligned.

Adjustments

  • Drop your bottom knee to the floor if you want extra support.
Elbow Side Plank Leg Lift

Elbow Side Plank Leg Lift

Duration: 0:30

Level up your side plank by lifting the top leg and lighting up your obliques and glutes.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Triceps Obliques Shoulders Glutes Abdomen

Instructions

  • Lie on one side with legs extended and feet stacked.
  • Place your bottom elbow under your shoulder and forearm flat on the floor.
  • Engage your core, lift your hips to form a straight line from head to heels, and rest your top hand on your hip.
  • Lift the top leg toward the ceiling and hold, then switch sides halfway through.

Tips

  • Keep your hips stacked and lifted so your body stays in one plane.

Adjustments

  • Lower your bottom knee to the floor for extra support if you need it.
Single Arm Plank

Single Arm Plank

Duration: 0:30

Hover one hand in a plank to challenge your core, shoulders, and balance all at once.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Triceps Upper Back Obliques Shoulders Chest Lower Back Glutes Abdomen

Instructions

  • Start in a strong high plank with hands under shoulders.
  • Engage your core and lift one hand off the floor, extending it out to the side or forward.
  • Hold the position while keeping your body in a straight line, then switch sides.

Tips

  • Keep your hips level and avoid letting them twist.

Adjustments

  • Drop to your knees while keeping a long line from knees to head if needed.
Bulldog

Bulldog

Duration: 0:30

Hover your knees just above the mat to light up shoulders, core, and glutes in one spicy hold.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Triceps Upper Back Shoulders Chest Glutes

Instructions

  • Start on all fours with knees under hips and hands under shoulders.
  • Tuck your toes, brace the core, and hover the knees a few inches above the floor.
  • Spread weight evenly between hands and the balls of your feet while breathing slowly.

Tips

  • Keep your back flat, imagining a tabletop resting on your spine.
  • Gaze at the space between your hands to keep the neck neutral.

Adjustments

  • Tap the knees down briefly whenever you need a reset before hovering again.
Bird Dog

Bird Dog

Duration: 0:30

Pair opposite arm and leg reaches to build a rock-solid core and graceful balance.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Shoulders Lower Back Glutes

Instructions

  • Set up on all fours with shoulders stacked over wrists and hips over knees.
  • Brace your core, then extend one arm forward while the opposite leg reaches straight back.
  • Hold the long line parallel to the floor and breathe steadily before returning to tabletop.
  • Alternate sides with the same calm control.

Tips

  • Keep your hips level by pressing the supporting hand and knee firmly into the floor.
  • Think about length from fingertips through the heel rather than height.

Adjustments

  • Practice lifting just the arm or just the leg until the full variation feels steady.
Bird Dog Plank

Bird Dog Plank

Duration: 0:30

Test your balance by hovering opposite limbs in a plank, forcing every stabilizer to wake up.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Shoulders Lower Back Glutes

Instructions

  • Set up in a strong high plank with wrists under shoulders and feet hip-width apart.
  • Brace your core, then lift one hand off the floor as the opposite leg reaches straight back behind you.
  • Hold the diagonal line from fingertips to heel while keeping hips square to the ground.
  • Lower with control, reset in plank, and switch sides.

Tips

  • Squeeze your glutes and draw the belly button toward your spine to keep the lower back steady.
  • Imagine balancing a glass of water on your hips to remind yourself not to twist.

Adjustments

  • Practice lifting just the arm or just the leg until you feel solid, then combine the two.
Push Up Hold

Push Up Hold

Duration: 0:30

Pause halfway through a push-up to build relentless tension in your chest, shoulders, and triceps.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Triceps Shoulders Chest

Instructions

  • Begin in a high push-up with hands slightly wider than shoulders.
  • Lower your chest halfway toward the floor, keeping elbows at a natural angle.
  • Hold the position while spreading weight evenly between hands and feet.

Tips

  • Keep your body in a straight line without letting hips sag or pike.
  • Aim for roughly a forty-five degree angle between your elbows and torso.

Adjustments

  • Drop to your knees to reduce the load if needed.
Narrow Push Up Hold

Narrow Push Up Hold

Duration: 0:30

Pause midway through a narrow push-up to torch your triceps and chest with isometric strength.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Triceps Shoulders Chest

Instructions

  • Set up in a high plank with hands shoulder-width apart or slightly closer.
  • Lower your body halfway down, keeping elbows tucked near your ribs.
  • Hold the position, distributing weight evenly between hands and feet while maintaining a solid plank line.

Tips

  • Keep your core engaged so your hips do not sag or pike.

Adjustments

  • Drop to your knees to reduce the load while keeping elbows narrow.
Spiderman Push Up Hold

Spiderman Push Up Hold

Duration: 0:30

Hover halfway down in a push-up while bringing your knee to your elbow for a spicy Spiderman hold.

Difficulty: Advanced

Benefits: Triceps Obliques Shoulders Chest

Instructions

  • Set up in a push-up with hands slightly wider than shoulders.
  • Lower halfway toward the floor and engage your core.
  • Lift one foot, bringing the knee toward the same-side elbow, and hold.
  • Switch sides after your hold.

Tips

  • Keep hips level to prevent rotation.
  • Aim for elbows at about a forty-five degree angle to your torso.

Adjustments

  • Drop your back knee to the floor if you need to dial down the difficulty.
Bridge

Bridge

Duration: 0:30

Lift into a grounded bridge to awaken glutes and hamstrings while giving your spine a friendly stretch.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Hamstrings Lower Back Glutes

Instructions

  • Lie on your back with knees bent, feet hip-width, and arms relaxed by your sides.
  • Press through both heels to raise your hips, creating a straight line from knees to shoulders.
  • Hold the lift with glutes fired up and breathe into your ribs before lowering with control.

Tips

  • Squeeze the glutes at the top so the work stays in the backside instead of the low back.
  • Keep ribs down and core engaged to prevent excessive arching.

Adjustments

  • Lift the hips to a halfway point if you want a lighter option.
  • Rest your head on a folded towel when the neck needs extra support.
Bridge Leg Lift

Bridge Leg Lift

Duration: 0:30

Hold a single-leg bridge to fire up your glutes, hamstrings, and core while teaching true hip stability.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Hips Hamstrings Quadriceps Lower Back Glutes Abdomen

Instructions

  • Lie on your back with knees bent, feet hip-width apart, and arms along your sides.
  • Press through your heels to lift hips up, creating a straight line from knees to shoulders.
  • Keeping hips level, extend one leg straight out so the thighs stay parallel.
  • Hold the position while breathing steadily, then switch legs halfway through the set.

Tips

  • Drive the grounded heel into the floor to keep the hips lifted.
  • Imagine balancing a glass of water on your pelvis to avoid dropping the lifted side.

Adjustments

  • Lift the working foot only a few inches or keep a bend in the raised leg if needed.
Reverse Plank

Reverse Plank

Duration: 0:30

Hold a reverse plank to strengthen your backside and open your chest at the same time.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Shoulders Hamstrings Lower Back Glutes Abdomen

Instructions

  • Sit with legs extended and hands on the floor behind your hips, fingers pointing toward your feet.
  • Press through palms and heels to lift your hips toward the ceiling.
  • Straighten arms and legs to create a long line from head to heels and hold with steady breathing.

Tips

  • Lift your chest and keep your head in a neutral position.
  • Lock in strong arms without hyperextending the elbows.

Adjustments

  • Bend your knees and keep feet flat if you want a lighter variation.
  • Turn fingertips outward slightly if wrists feel strained.
Reverse Plank Leg Lift

Reverse Plank Leg Lift

Duration: 0:30

Float one leg while holding a reverse plank to light up your posterior chain and core.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Shoulders Hips Hamstrings Quadriceps Lower Back Glutes Abdomen

Instructions

  • Sit with legs extended and hands planted behind your hips, fingers pointing toward your feet.
  • Press through palms and heels to lift your hips toward the ceiling, forming a straight line from head to heels.
  • Keep legs straight and lift one leg off the floor, holding the reverse plank as you breathe.
  • Lower the leg and switch sides with control.

Tips

  • Straighten arms and legs to maintain a long line.
  • Keep your chest broad and neck neutral while you hold.

Adjustments

  • Keep both feet on the floor for a lighter variation.
  • Turn your fingertips slightly outward if your wrists need relief.
Crunch Hold

Crunch Hold

Duration: 0:30

Hold a fierce crunch to fire up your abs and build time under tension without any fancy equipment.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Abdomen

Instructions

  • Lie on your back with knees bent and feet planted.
  • Engage your core to lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the floor.
  • Reach your arms forward, keeping them parallel to the ground, and hold the position while breathing steadily.

Tips

  • Press your lower back into the mat to protect your spine.
  • Keep the arms strong and level to remind your upper body to stay lifted.

Adjustments

  • Support your head with your hands if your neck needs a break, keeping elbows wide.
Bicycle Crunch Hold

Bicycle Crunch Hold

Duration: 1:00

Lock into a bicycle crunch and feel your obliques fire while you balance between power and control.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Obliques Abdomen

Instructions

  • Lie on your back with knees bent and feet on the floor, then lace your fingers lightly behind your head.
  • Lift head, shoulders, and upper back off the mat while pressing your lower spine down.
  • Extend one leg long and pull the opposite knee toward your chest as you rotate to bring the opposite elbow toward that knee.
  • Hold the twist with steady breathing, then switch sides halfway through the set.

Tips

  • Keep the core braced so the lower back stays glued to the mat.
  • Think about rotating the ribcage rather than yanking the elbow forward.
  • Support your head gently with your hands without pulling on the neck.

Adjustments

  • Keep both knees more bent or rest the extended heel on the floor if you need to dial the intensity down.
Toe Touch Hold

Toe Touch Hold

Duration: 0:30

Reach for your toes with legs lifted to ignite your abs and build static strength.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Abdomen

Instructions

  • Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat.
  • Extend your legs straight up and lift head, neck, and shoulders off the floor.
  • Reach your arms toward your toes and hold the position.

Tips

  • Keep your lower back pressing into the mat.

Adjustments

  • Leave a soft bend in your knees or lower the legs slightly if your hamstrings feel tight.
V-Sit

V-Sit

Duration: 0:30

Lift into a V-sit to challenge your core and hip flexors with a proud, balanced hold.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Abdomen

Instructions

  • Lie on your back with legs extended and arms by your sides.
  • Engage your core to lift arms, chest, and legs simultaneously, forming a V shape.
  • Reach your arms toward the ceiling and hold while keeping your back long.

Tips

  • Balance on your sit bones and keep legs as straight as you can.

Adjustments

  • Bend your knees or place hands on the floor for support if needed.
Leg Lift

Leg Lift

Duration: 0:30

Lift both legs for a static hold that fires up your core and hip flexors.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Hips Quadriceps Abdomen

Instructions

  • Lie on your back with legs extended and arms behind your head or by your sides.
  • Engage your core and lift both legs to about a forty-five degree angle, keeping them straight and together.
  • Hold the position while breathing steadily and keeping your lower back anchored.

Tips

  • Press your lower back into the floor for support.
  • Keep head and shoulders relaxed on the ground.

Adjustments

  • Lift one leg at a time if both legs feel too heavy today.
  • Place hands under your hips or bend your knees slightly if your lower back needs extra care.
Hollow Body

Hollow Body

Duration: 1:00

Lock into a hollow body hold to train rock-solid core tension for everything from handstands to pull-ups.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Shoulders Hips Quadriceps Abdomen

Instructions

  • Lie on your back with arms reaching overhead and legs extended.
  • Engage your core, lifting head, shoulders, arms, and legs off the floor to form a gentle C shape.
  • Balance on your lower back and hold the position with steady breathing.

Tips

  • Press your lower back into the floor to protect your spine.
  • Squeeze legs together and keep them straight for maximum tension.

Adjustments

  • Bend your knees and bring arms forward if you need less intensity.
Dead Bug

Dead Bug

Duration: 0:30

Stabilize your core with controlled dead bug holds that challenge coordination and focus.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Shoulders Hips Quadriceps Abdomen

Instructions

  • Lie on your back with arms reaching toward the ceiling and legs extended.
  • Brace your core, lift one knee above the hip, and raise the opposite arm toward the ceiling.
  • Hover the other arm and leg just off the floor and hold the position with steady breathing.
  • Switch sides halfway through the set with the same control.

Tips

  • Press your lower back into the mat to keep your spine safe.
  • Keep hips square and avoid letting one side drop toward the floor.

Adjustments

  • Work through a smaller range of motion if needed, lifting limbs only partway.
Superman

Superman

Duration: 1:00

Lift your arms, chest, and legs off the floor to strengthen your entire posterior chain like a superhero.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Upper Back Shoulders Hamstrings Lower Back Glutes

Instructions

  • Lie face down with arms extended overhead and legs long behind you.
  • Engage your core and back muscles to lift arms, chest, and legs off the floor.
  • Hold the position with your head aligned with your spine while breathing steadily.

Tips

  • Reach through fingertips and toes to create length.
  • Let your gaze stay down so your neck remains neutral.

Adjustments

  • Lift only your arms or only your legs if you want a lighter variation.
Aquaman

Aquaman

Duration: 0:30

Alternate opposite arm and leg lifts to build a strong posterior chain and superhero-worthy posture.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Upper Back Shoulders Hamstrings Lower Back Glutes

Instructions

  • Lie face down with arms stretched overhead and legs long.
  • Brace your core, then lift one arm and the opposite leg just off the floor while keeping the neck neutral.
  • Hold for a calm breath, lower with control, and switch sides to keep alternating.

Tips

  • Reach through fingertips and toes to create length as you lift.
  • Focus on the back body doing the work rather than flinging the limbs up.
  • Keep eyes on the mat so the neck stays relaxed.

Adjustments

  • Lift just a couple of inches if you are building strength or managing sensitivity.
Airplane

Airplane

Duration: 0:30

Float your chest and arms off the mat to fire up the entire backside and remind your posture muscles who is in charge.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Upper Back Shoulders Hamstrings Lower Back Glutes

Instructions

  • Lie face down with arms stretched out at shoulder height like wings and legs long behind you.
  • Engage glutes and lower back to peel your chest and arms off the floor.
  • Keep your gaze slightly forward so the neck stays long and hold the lift while breathing steadily.

Tips

  • Reach fingertips sideways and squeeze shoulder blades toward each other to light up the upper back.
  • Think about length as much as height to avoid crunching through the low back.

Adjustments

  • Lift just an inch or two if you are easing in, focusing on control over height.
Pike

Pike

Duration: 0:30

Lift into a high pike to build shoulder strength and core control while stretching the posterior chain.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Triceps Shoulders Chest Abdomen

Instructions

  • Start in a high plank with hands under shoulders and legs extended.
  • Engage your core and lift hips toward the ceiling to form an inverted V.
  • Hold the position with weight distributed between hands and feet while breathing steadily.

Tips

  • Keep legs active and heels reaching toward the floor even if they do not touch.
  • Let your head stay between your arms so your neck relaxes.

Adjustments

  • Soften the knees and lower the hips slightly if the full pike feels intense.
Bent Arm Pike

Bent Arm Pike

Duration: 0:30

Set up in an inverted V and bend the elbows to load the shoulders, triceps, and core with delicious tension.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Triceps Shoulders Chest Abdomen

Instructions

  • Start in a high plank, hands under shoulders and legs long.
  • Lift your hips to form an upside-down V, pressing firmly through hands and toes.
  • Bend your elbows out to the sides and lower your head toward the floor while keeping hips high.
  • Hold the powerful position and breathe into the shoulders before easing out.

Tips

  • Keep legs active and heels reaching toward the floor even if they do not touch.
  • Let the head stay between the biceps so the neck can relax.

Adjustments

  • Soften the knees and lower the hips slightly if the full bend is too intense today.
Wall Plank

Wall Plank

Duration: 0:30

Walk your feet up the wall into a horizontal plank to challenge your core and shoulders.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Upper Back Shoulders Chest Abdomen

Instructions

  • Begin on hands and knees with feet near a wall.
  • Walk your feet up the wall until your body forms a straight line parallel to the floor.
  • Keep arms straight, palms pressing into the floor, and hold the plank.

Tips

  • Engage your core to protect your lower back.
  • Spread weight evenly between your hands.

Adjustments

  • Walk feet lower on the wall if you want a lighter variation.
Wall Pike

Wall Pike

Duration: 0:30

Climb your feet up the wall into an L-shape to strengthen shoulders and core.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Benefits: Upper Back Shoulders Chest Abdomen

Instructions

  • Start on hands and knees with your feet near a wall.
  • Walk your feet up the wall until your body forms an L-shape.
  • Keep arms straight, palms pressing into the floor, and hold the position.

Tips

  • Spread weight evenly through your hands.
  • Relax your neck and position your head between your arms.

Adjustments

  • Walk feet only partway up the wall for a lighter variation.
Wall Handstand

Wall Handstand

Duration: 0:30

Kick up into a wall-supported handstand to build overhead strength and core control.

Difficulty: Advanced

Benefits: Upper Back Shoulders Chest Abdomen

Instructions

  • Stand facing a wall and step one foot forward.
  • Place your hands on the floor about a half-arm's length from the wall.
  • Kick your back leg up, then follow with the other leg, bringing your feet to the wall.
  • Keep arms straight and body aligned as you hold the handstand.

Tips

  • Use a fluid, continuous motion for the kick-up.
  • Practice the kick without going all the way up until you feel confident.

Adjustments

  • Work with a spotter for extra safety and guidance.

Comprehensive Strength Achieved

Take a moment to appreciate what you just accomplished. Twenty-two minutes of continuous isometric work creates full-body strength development that compounds over time.

Schedule this lab weekly for serious strength gains. The comprehensive nature means your entire body benefits, and the isometric focus builds stability and control that enhances every other movement you do.