Millions of fitness enthusiasts all over the world train the plank position, but the question of where to go from here remains largely unresolved. Yogis jump straight into crow pose, with their knees resting on the shelf created by their bent elbows, but this does not translate into the straight-arm strength required for more advanced strength training. On the other hand, many calisthenics athletes go directly to tuck planche positions, never fully strengthening the muscles of their upper back and shoulder girdle. In the gymnastics world, these are all components of preparation for the static position called the straddle planche.

The straddle planche is one of the seven elements found in the GymnasticBodies Foundation Series, and it is a prime example of fundamental straight-arm strength. Not to mention, without a solid straddle planche on the floor, there can not be more advanced ring work down the road. Given its primacy in Gymnastics Strength TrainingTM, there has unfortunately been a lack of sound training methodologies to help develop the strength required to hold a straddle planche.

Enter the Planche Lean