How to perform Bodyweight Arch Hang with proper form
Starting Position
- Grip: Hang from a pull-up bar with an overhand grip, hands about shoulder-width apart.
- Body: Start from a passive dead hang with arms straight and shoulders relaxed up by the ears.
Movement
-
Engaging Phase:
- Pull your shoulder blades down and back, away from your ears.
- Lift your chest toward the bar and arch the upper back, keeping the arms straight.
-
Holding Phase:
- Hold the arched, shoulders-engaged position for time.
- Keep the core tight and legs still - the arms stay straight throughout.
Key Points
- Keep the arms fully straight - this is a scapular and back exercise, not an elbow-bending pull.
- Drive the chest up toward the bar rather than shrugging the shoulders.
- Build up to holds of 20-30 seconds before progressing toward negative pull-ups.
Exercises
Dead Hang, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back, Forearms
Synergist: Shoulders
Hammer Curl, Cable
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Synergist: Biceps
Hammer Curl, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Synergist: Biceps
Hammer Curl, Band
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Synergist: Biceps
Hang Clean, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Lower, Pull
Target: Biceps, Forearms
Synergist: Shoulders, Chest
Muscle Up, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Back, Chest, Triceps
Reverse Curl, Barbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Synergist: Biceps
Reverse Curl, Cable
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Synergist: Biceps
Reverse Curl, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Synergist: Biceps
Reverse Curl, Band
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Synergist: Biceps
Reverse Wrist Curl, Barbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Reverse Wrist Curl, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Reverse Wrist Curl, EZ Bar
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Seated Palms Up Wrist Curl, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Wrist Curl, Barbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Wrist Curl, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Wrist Curl, EZ Bar
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Wrist Roller, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Forearms
Arch Hang, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Shoulders, Forearms
Battle Ropes, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Core
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Back