The front lever is a gymnastic move - a static hold normally performed on the still rings. A front lever is performed by lowering from an inverted hang until the body is completely horizontal and straight with the front of the body facing upwards. An accomplished gymnast may also pull directly into the horizontal position from a dead hang. Front levers require a high degree of back and core strength.

Front lever (John Gill, 6'2", 180 lbs - 1962)

The move is rated A in the gymnastic code of points, a scale from A to F, with F being the most difficult. In the 1960s it was rated B, when the levels of difficulty were A, B, C. (Clearly, body length is a factor. It is possible that world class gymnasts are shorter now than during mid 20th century: The top American gymnast in 1956 was John Beckner - 6' 1"^[1], whereas the 2004 Olympic champion American gymnast, Paul Hamm, is 5' 4".)

[edit] Variations

[edit] Victorian cross

Gill performing a one arm front lever in the late 1960s.

A difficult static hold rated 'E' in the code of points. In this variation the body is held at the level of the rings with arms extended laterally.

[edit] One arm front lever

A front lever held with just one arm. The body is often turned sideways in this variation

[edit] Exercises based on the front lever

[edit] Front lever pullups

The body is kept horizontal while the gymnast performs a pullup.

[edit] Ice cream makers

In this variation the performer leans forward from the lever position, bringing the legs down and arms up until he/she reaches the top of a regular pullup. From here they lean back again, straightening the arms and returning to the front lever

[edit] References

1. ^ Modern Gymnast, December 1956, Page 12

[edit] See also

• Back lever