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Front lever

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The front lever is a gymnastic move - a static hold normally performed on the still rings. It is rated A in the gymnastic code of points, a scale from A to F, with F being the most difficult. In the 1960s it was rated B, when the levels of difficulty were A, B, C.

File:FrontLever(1962).JPG
Rock climber and gymnast John Gill in Estes Park, CO in 1962

A front lever is performed by lowering from an inverted hang until the body is completely horizontal and straight with the front of the body facing upwards. An accomplished gymnast may also pull directly into the horizontal position from a dead hang. Front levers require a high degree of back and core strength.

Variations

Victorian cross

A difficult static hold rated 'E' in the code of points. In this variation the body is held at the level of the rings with arms extended laterally.

One arm front lever

A front lever held with just one arm. The body is often turned sideways in this variation

File:John gill.jpg
Gill performs a one arm front lever in 1969

Exercises based on the front lever

Front lever pullups

The body is kept horizontal while the gymnast performs a pullup.

Ice cream makers

In this variation the performer leans forward from the lever position, bringing the legs down and arms up until he/she reaches the top of a regular pullup. From here they lean back again, straightening the arms and returning to the front lever