How Long Does It Take To Master The Front Lever?
Table of Contents
Introduction
In this article I will be answering the question “how long does it take to master the front lever?”. The front lever is a more advanced calisthenics movement.
It requires time to learn and you also need a base level of strength in order to be able to successfully master it.
This article will explore this topic in detail and will be an informative read.
How Long Does It Take To Master The Front Lever?
Typically, it will take roughly 3 to 6 months to master the front lever. However, this is dependent on where you are at in terms of strength to begin with.
If you are a beginner and have a low level of base strength on movements like pull ups and hanging leg raises, it would take more time. You would need to gain sufficient strength first on these exercises before being able to master the front lever.
Well trained individuals with a good level of base strength can master the front lever in the span of 3 months. If you train calisthenics regularly, you should master the basic moves first before trying more advanced ones.
Base Strength Is Important
For more advanced calisthenics moves like the front lever, having a good base level of strength is critical.
You can’t expect to be able to perform advanced calisthenics movements without having adequate strength. For instance, you should be able to perform at least 10 pull ups.
If you can’t even do 3 pull ups then you need to work on improving your pull up strength before you are able to progress to advanced exercises.
Previously on this site we have examined ways of getting stronger at pull ups. It all comes down to consistency and training the movement in a progressive manner.
If you are weak at pull ups you can perform band assisted pull ups and aim to make progress with them. The ultimate goal should be to get very strong on pull ups by doing them weighted and getting to a good level on your weighted pull ups.
Mastering The L-Sit Pull Up
Once your pull up strength has got up to a satisfactory level, you are ready to incorporate L-sit pull ups. Getting good at the L-sit pull up will serve as an important stepping stone in your progress to the front lever.
You will develop more core strength from this exercise and this core strength will help you greatly when it comes to doing front levers. You will experience more torque on the shoulders with the L-sit pull up.
This will also be similar to what you would experience with the front lever. When it comes to the core you have to make a conscious effort to keep your core engaged and turned on throughout the exercise.
If you find the L-sit pull up too tough at first you can do them band assisted. This will help you to ease your way into the exercise and get acclimated. From there you can progress to regular L-sit pull ups for reps.
Chris Heria’s Road To The Front Lever
Chris Heria has an interesting take on the front lever and how to master this movement.
He explains that getting stronger at pull ups is key and this is something that I have already mentioned. In addition, he discusses the benefits of the L-sit pull up and how that can serve as a stepping stone to the front lever.
Chris advocates that people work on L-sit holds and getting used to maintaining tension in the core for a long period. It is true that this will transfer greatly when doing the front lever.
Working on toes to bar and tuck front lever holds will also assist you in getting closer to performing the front lever. Once you have mastered these exercises you will also master the front lever.
AlphaDestiny’s Advice Regarding The Front Lever
Chris talks about the toes to bar drill, Alex advocates the front pull more. The front pull and toes to bar are similar but the front pull has slightly less range of motion.
It is true that both the front pull and toes to bar exercises will be beneficial for you in your journey to successfully performing the front lever.
In addition, Alex raises an overlooked point. This pertains to bodyweight – if you are very heavy you automatically have a disadvantage in advanced calisthenics movements.
Getting leaner will certainly help speed up your progress to doing a front lever. Working on negatives on the front pull as well as weighted hanging leg raises will also be of great assistance in getting you there.
Final Thoughts
If you have a good level of base strength on pull ups and leg raises you will also find that you will master the front lever faster. Practicing front pulls and front pull negatives will also speed up your progress to successfully mastering the front lever.
If you have any comments about the front lever please leave them below. As always, stay safe and enjoy your training!
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