A front lever is a static gymnastics and calisthenics hold popular as a strength benchmark among climbers. The athlete hangs from a bar with arms straight, then lifts the body until it is parallel to the ground — face-up, body horizontal, and held isometrically. The lats, core, and shoulder stabilisers carry most of the load.
Climbers train the front lever because it builds the same pulling-and-tensioning strength used on overhanging walls and roof problems. A clean front lever requires solid lat strength, scapular control, anterior core engagement, and the ability to keep the body rigid against gravity. It is widely considered an "intermediate-to-advanced" climber's skill — most beginners cannot hold one, but it becomes achievable with structured training.
Progressions from easiest to hardest: tuck front lever (knees pulled to chest), advanced tuck (hips opened slightly), single-leg lever (one leg extended), straddle lever (legs wide), full front lever (legs together, body fully horizontal). Most climbers progress by holding each variation for 10 seconds before advancing. Train it 2–3 times a week, paired with rest days, and expect months of work to reach the full position.