Exercise guide
Barbell Spiderman Rollout
- Advanced
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Lower legs
- Upper legs
- Waist
This advanced core exercise combines the anti-extension challenge of a barbell rollout with the lateral hip and oblique engagement of a Spiderman crawl. It builds exceptional trunk stability, shoulder strength, and hip mobility by forcing the core to stabilize while the base of support shifts.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Kneel on a soft mat with a barbell positioned on the floor directly in front of your knees.
- Use an overhand grip on the bar, slightly wider than shoulder-width.
- Ensure the barbell is loaded with round plates (preferably smaller diameter) to allow for a smooth rolling motion.
- Engage your core and tuck your tailbone slightly to create a neutral spine.
How to do it
- Inhale and roll the barbell forward, extending your torso while simultaneously driving your right knee out wide toward your right elbow.
- Extend as far as possible without letting your lower back arch or your chest touch the floor.
- Exhale and pull the barbell back toward your knees using your lats and abs while returning your right leg to the starting position.
- Repeat the movement, alternating the knee drive to the left side for the next repetition.
Form checklist
- Keep your arms straight throughout the entire movement to maximize lat and core tension.
- Ensure the knee travels laterally (outside the elbow) to fully engage the obliques.
- Maintain a 'hollow body' position; do not let your hips sag or your lower back flare.
- Keep your neck neutral by looking at a spot on the floor just in front of the bar.
Pro tips
- Focus on 'pulling' the bar back with your armpits (lats) rather than just your hands to increase stability.
- Squeeze the glute of the grounded leg as you roll out to prevent the pelvis from rotating or tilting.
Make it harder
- Add a 2-second pause at the point of maximum extension before pulling back.
- Perform the exercise from a standing position (feet on the floor) instead of knees for the ultimate core challenge.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the barbell spiderman rollout work?
- The barbell spiderman rollout primarily targets the abs, lats, and obliques, and also works the erector spinae, hip flexors, and quadriceps as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the barbell spiderman rollout?
- The barbell spiderman rollout uses barbell.
- Is the barbell spiderman rollout good for beginners?
- The barbell spiderman rollout is rated advanced. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.