Hanging Windshield Wiper
Brace yourself! This advanced core exercise will challenge your strength and stability. Get ready to rotate towards a stronger core!
The Hanging Windshield Wiper is a compound exercise that mainly works the core, with help from the back. You'll need: pull up bar.
Required Equipment

Hanging Windshield Wiper Muscles Worked
Primary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Obliques
Secondary
Lats (latissimus dorsi); Deep Core (transverse abdominis)
Hanging Windshield Wiper Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Hanging Windshield Wiper
Hang from a pull-up bar with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Raise your legs to form a 90-degree angle with your torso, keeping them straight if possible.
Retract your shoulder blades slightly to engage your lats and stabilize your upper body.
Rotate your lower body from the waist, swinging your legs to one side while keeping your upper body and arms static.
Pause for a moment at the peak of the movement, ensuring that the rotation comes from the obliques and hip flexors.
Return your legs to the center and then swing them to the opposite side.
Continue the swinging motion from side to side for the desired number of repetitions.
Maintain control throughout the exercise, especially during the rotational movement to avoid swinging and to ensure the core muscles are properly engaged.
Safety Tips: Ensure you have a firm grip on the bar to prevent slipping. Begin the exercise with a proper warm-up to avoid muscle strains, particularly in the shoulder area and core. Keep the movements controlled to maintain the focus on the core muscles and to prevent momentum from taking over. If you're new to the exercise, consider having a spotter to assist until you're comfortable with the technique.
Note: The Hanging Half Windmill is an advanced core exercise and should be performed with caution. If you have any pre-existing health conditions or injuries, particularly related to the back, shoulders, or wrists, consult with a fitness professional or a healthcare provider before attempting this exercise.
Hanging Windshield Wiper FAQs
What muscles does the Hanging Windshield Wiper work?
The Hanging Windshield Wiper mainly works the core, with help from the back. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and obliques.
What equipment do you need for the Hanging Windshield Wiper?
Pull up bar.
Is the Hanging Windshield Wiper a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What are some Hanging Windshield Wiper variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Hanging Arm Straight-Leg Slinger, Bodyweight Windmill Cut, Half Wiper and Hanging Parallel-Bar Oblique Knee Raise.
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