Negative Dragon Flag

Instructions

1
Lie supine on a flat bench with hips at the edge, feet off the bench, lower back supported by the bench surface, and hands placed lightly behind the head or across the chest for support.
2
Position legs extended or slightly bent at the knees, engage core muscles, and prepare to lift legs from the resting position by bracing the abdominals.
3
Slowly lower both legs in a controlled manner toward the starting horizontal position, maintaining slight knee flexion, allowing the abdominals to lengthen under tension without touching the floor.
4
Drive through the core to lift both legs upward to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement and avoiding momentum, squeezing the abdominals at the top of the movement.

PRIMARY MUSCLESRectus Abdominis
SECONDARY MUSCLESIliopsoas, Rectus Femoris, Sartorius, Tensor Fasciae Latae
EQUIPMENTBody weight
DIFFICULTYIntermediate

Overview

When programming for Rectus Abdominis growth, the Negative Dragon Flag stands out as a highly efficient Strength choice. Performing this movement with Body weight forces your stabilizer muscles to work in tandem with the primary movers, translating to functional strength and enhanced muscular endurance.

Benefits

  • Allows for a natural movement path that closely mimics functional daily activities.
  • Utilizes Body weight to create sustained mechanical tension, forcing deep muscle adaptation.
  • Acts as a highly scalable Strength movement, perfect for both beginners and elite athletes.
  • Significantly enhances the structural integrity and power of the Rectus Abdominis.
  • Promotes balanced muscular development by effectively recruiting the Rectus Abdominis and associated synergists.

Pro Tips

Keep your breathing rhythmic: exhale sharply on the concentric push/pull, and inhale smoothly on the way down.

Muscle Anatomy

The primary driver is the Rectus Abdominis. However, the movement also recruits Iliopsoas, Rectus Femoris, Sartorius, Tensor Fasciae Latae to maintain control of the Body weight.

Exercise Variations

  • Dumbbell Negative Dragon Flag
  • Cable Negative Dragon Flag
  • Banded Negative Dragon Flag

Beginner Tips

If you are new to the Negative Dragon Flag, focus on mastering the movement pattern with zero weight before adding Body weight.

Frequently Asked Questions