Dragon Flag
The Dragon Flag is a challenging core exercise, famously associated with Bruce Lee, and is notorious for its intense demands on the abdominal muscles. This exercise targets the entire midsection for strengthening. During execution, the body is held almost horizontally, with the upper back being the only point of contact with the floor. Although the Dragon Flag is an extremely demanding exercise, it is entirely possible to master it by training progressively. Effective preparatory exercises include the One-Leg Dragon Flag, where one leg is lifted while the other remains on the ground, the Tuck Dragon Flag, where the knees are pulled to the chest, and the Negative Dragon Flag, which focuses on the controlled downward movement.
Essential preparatory exercises to master beforehand include the static holds Plank and Hollow Body Hold.
Necessary equipment
Dragon Flag - the correct execution
- Lie with your back on a mat or the floor so that your head is positioned close to the wall bars
- With both arms bent, grab one bar above your head, shoulder width apart.
- Activate your core and glutes while keeping your hips extended
- Firmly tighten the abdominal muscles and press the lower back into the floor (PPT)
- Lift your body so that only your upper back and shoulder blades touch the floor
- Keep your body straight and in line
The exercise Dragon Flag is intended to be used as a hypertrophy, technique exercise.
Which muscles are trained by Dragon Flag?
Primary trained muscles for Dragon Flag
Abs - The rectus abdominis, also known as the "abs," runs vertically along the front of the abdomen. It is responsible for bending the torso forward, such as during sit-ups, and lifting the pelvis. This muscle stabilizes the torso, supports the spine, and helps maintain good posture.
Secondary trained muscles for Dragon Flag
Triceps - The triceps brachii muscle is located at the back of your upper arm. It extends your arm at the elbow and also helps move the arm backward.
Calisthenics training, developed by sports scientists and optimized by smart algorithms, for your best workout.
Over 1000 five-star reviews on App Store and Google Play.
Alternative variants of Dragon Flag:
Tuck Dragon Flag
In the Tuck Dragon Flag, the knees are pulled to the chest. This position helps train the abdominal muscles and body control by keeping the body more compact.
Necessary equipment
Tuck Dragon Flag - the correct execution
- Lie with your back on a mat or the floor so that your head is positioned close to the wall bars
- With both arms bent, grab one bar above your head, shoulder width apart.
- Bend your hips 45 degrees
- Tighten your abdominal muscles and press your lower back into the floor (PPT)
- Lift your body so that only your upper back and shoulder blades touch the floor
One Leg Dragon Flag
The One-Leg Dragon Flag is a variation where one leg is lifted while the other remains on the ground. This exercise allows you to practice the fundamental movement while gradually building core strength.
Necessary equipment
One Leg Dragon Flag - the correct execution
- Lie with your back on a mat or the floor so that your head is positioned close to the wall bars
- With both arms bent, grab one bar above your head, shoulder width apart.
- Activate your core and glutes while keeping your hips extended
- Firmly tighten the abdominal muscles and press the lower back into the floor (PPT)
- Pull the right knee to the chest
- Lift your body so that only your upper back and shoulder blades touch the floor
- Keep your body straight and in line
Negative Dragon Flag
The Negative Dragon Flag focuses on the slow and controlled downward movement of the body. This exercise is particularly effective for building the strength necessary to perform the full Dragon Flag.
Necessary equipment
Negative Dragon Flag - the correct execution
- Lie with your back on a mat or the floor so that your head is positioned close to the wall bars
- With both arms bent, grab one bar above your head, shoulder width apart.
- Lift your body up with hips bent until your legs are parallel to the wall bars
- Activate your core and glutes while keeping your hips extended
- Firmly tighten the abdominal muscles and press the lower back into the floor (PPT)
- Keep your body straight and in line
- Lower yourself slowly and controlled back towards the floor
This could also be interesting
Starting Calisthenics: Your Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the Basics
Calisthenics is a dynamic form of exercise focused on using one's body weight to build strength, flexibility, and endurance, making it a versatile and accessible training method for individuals of all fitness levels.
10 Gymnastic Rings Exercises for all Skill Levels - From Starting Out to Advanced
Gymnastics rings are revered for their efficacy in building robust strength, power, and enhancing overall conditioning. This article introduces 10 versatile gymnastic ring exercises, catering to everyone from beginners to experts. Demonstrations include exercises like ring dip, ring push-up, and the ultimate challenging iron cross.
How To Build Muscle With Calisthenics (Everything You Need To Know)
Discover the path to building muscle through calisthenics in this enriching blog post. Uncover the science of muscle growth, effective exercises, and personalized training tips. Dive into an engaging read that addresses common mistakes and offers solutions for busy schedules. Your muscle-building journey just got simpler and exciting!