Eccentric Dragon Flag
Master core strength with the Eccentric Dragon Flag! Build a rock-solid midsection by controlling the descent in this advanced exercise.
The Eccentric Dragon Flag is a compound exercise that mainly works the core, with help from the lower back and shoulders. You'll need: exercise bench.

Required Equipment

Eccentric Dragon Flag Muscles Worked
Primary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis)
Secondary
Spinal Erectors (erector spinae); Front Shoulder (anterior deltoid); Hip Flexor (iliopsoas)
Eccentric Dragon Flag Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Eccentric Dragon Flag
Instructions for Negative Dragon Flag:
Lie on a flat bench with your head toward one end and your hands gripping the bench behind your head. Make sure that your body is straight, with your legs extended.
Engage your core and lift your body off the bench to form a straight line, like an inverted flag. Only your shoulders and upper back should remain on the bench while the rest of your body is lifted in a straight line towards the ceiling. This is the starting position.
Inhale and slowly lower your body in a controlled manner while keeping it straight. Your body should move as one unit, much like a lowering flagpole.
Lower yourself until your body is just a few inches above the bench without touching it. Your body should still be straight, not bent at the hips.
Hold this position briefly to maximize the tension on your core muscles.
Exhale and use your core to lift your body back to the starting inverted flag position.
Perform the desired number of repetitions, focusing on the negative (lowering) phase to maintain tension on the abdominal muscles throughout the movement.
Safety Tips:
Make sure to progress slowly with this exercise; it's a highly advanced core movement and can place significant strain on your back and shoulders if not performed correctly.
Keeping the body straight is crucial to prevent strain and injury.
If you are new to this exercise, it is advisable to start with assisted versions or progressions leading up to the full negative dragon flag.
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Eccentric Dragon Flag FAQs
What muscles does the Eccentric Dragon Flag work?
The Eccentric Dragon Flag mainly works the core, with help from the lower back and shoulders. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis.
What equipment do you need for the Eccentric Dragon Flag?
Exercise bench.
Is the Eccentric Dragon Flag a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What are some Eccentric Dragon Flag variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Flag, Dragon Flag Leg Raise, Floor Lying Negative Dragon Flag and Floor Lying Half Negative Dragon Flag.
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