Hanging Pike

A expert strength exercise for the abs, done with just your bodyweight.

Main muscles: Abs
Equipment: Bodyweight
Level: Expert
Type: Compound
Movement: Pull

How to do the Hanging Pike

Hang from a chin-up bar with your legs and feet together using an overhand grip (palms facing away from you) that is slightly wider than shoulder width. Tip: You may use wrist wraps in order to facilitate holding on to the bar.
Now bend your knees at a 90 degree angle and bring the upper legs forward so that the calves are perpendicular to the floor while the thighs remain parallel to it. This will be your starting position.
Pull your legs up as you exhale until you almost touch your shins with the bar above you. Tip: Try to straighten your legs as much as possible while at the top.
Lower your legs as slowly as possible until you reach the starting position. Tip: Avoid swinging and using momentum at all times.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Sets and reps

Strength	3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes
Muscle	3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes
Endurance or fat loss	2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds

Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

Alternatives to the Hanging Pike

Questions

What muscles does the Hanging Pike work?

Mainly the abs.

Is the Hanging Pike good for beginners?

It's rated expert. Beginners can build up to it with 3/4 Sit-Up first.

What can I do instead of the Hanging Pike?

Good alternatives that train the abs: 3/4 Sit-Up, Air Bike, Bent-Knee Hip Raise or Bottoms Up.

How many sets and reps of the Hanging Pike should I do?

Strength: 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes. Muscle: 3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes. Endurance or fat loss: 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds.

Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).