Home Exercises Abs Dragon Flag
Dragon Flag

Dragon Flag

AbsCalisthenic BenchFull GymNO EQUIPMENT
Primary musclesAbs، Calisthenic
EquipmentBench، Full Gym، NO EQUIPMENT
Level—
Suggested3 × 8–12

Overview

Dragon Flag is a demanding movement with major benefits for your core. To do Dragon Flags well, you need exact control of your body on both the lowering and lifting phases.

How to do it

  1. 1

    Set Up

    Start by lying on your back on a solid bench or a flat floor. Keep your head supported by gripping the bench or placing a neck cushion under it. Plant your hands securely on the bench or hold a fixed surface above your head.

  2. 2

    Leg Raise

    Drive your legs and hips up off the bench or floor while keeping the legs straight. Your body should stay in one straight line from head to feet. Tighten your core to keep yourself steady.

  3. 3

    Controlled Descent

    Lower your legs and hips slowly toward the bench while preserving a straight body line. Use your abdominal muscles to manage the descent. This is the hardest part of the exercise, so move patiently.

  4. 4

    Raise Your Flag

    When your legs are near the bench or floor, but not touching, reverse the motion. Use your core strength to bring your legs and hips back to the start position.

  5. 5

    Repeat

    Complete the exercise for your chosen number of repetitions.

Form tips & common mistakes

Keep your arms and hands firmly planted to maintain stability.

Focus on controlled movements; avoid swinging or using momentum.

Maintain a straight body line throughout the exercise.

Breathe steadily and avoid holding your breath.

If you experience neck discomfort, consider using a cushion or towel for support.

Benefits

Core Strength

Dragon Flag’s main advantage is its power to build the core muscles. It works the rectus abdominis (front of the abdominal muscles), obliques (side abdominal muscles), and even the lower back muscles. The result is a stronger, more stable core.

Six-Pack Development

If you want a more defined six-pack, Dragon Flags can support that goal. The exercise directly challenges the abdominal muscles, helping create a more chiseled look.

Isometric Strength

Dragon Flag also includes an isometric element because you must keep your body straight and stable throughout the movement. That demands constant core engagement to stop your body from sagging or swaying. Your ability to hold this isometric contraction also shows how well you control your bodyweight.

Impressive Visual Display

Dragon Flags look impressive, too. Performing this exercise successfully highlights your physical ability and commitment to training, and it often earns respect from other fitness enthusiasts.

Muscles worked

Target

Target Core Muscles: ▪ Rectus Abdominis ▪ Transverse abdominis ▪ Obliques ▪ Multifidus ▪ Pelvic floor ▪ Quadratus lumborum ▪ Erector Spinae، Rectus Abdominis، Secondary - Erector Spinae، Secondary - Latissimus Dorsi، Secondary - Hip Flexor، Secondary - Gluteus، Secondary - Adductors

Synergists

Obliques

Muscles worked — Dragon Flag

Alternatives & variations

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