Exercise guide
Ring Reverse Ab Rollout
- Advanced
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Lower legs
- Shoulders
- Upper legs
- Waist
This advanced core stability exercise uses a suspension trainer to increase the lever length of a plank, forcing the abs, glutes, and obliques to work intensely to prevent spinal extension. It builds exceptional anti-extension strength and functional shoulder stability.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Adjust the rings so they hang at mid-calf height.
- Place your feet securely in the rings and assume a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders.
- Engage your glutes and tuck your pelvis slightly to create a perfectly straight line from head to heels.
How to do it
- Inhale and slowly push your entire body backward by extending through the shoulders, moving your torso away from your hands.
- Stop the backward movement once you feel your core is at its limit but before your lower back begins to arch.
- Exhale and pull your body forward, returning your shoulders to the starting position directly over your hands.
- Maintain a slow, controlled tempo, taking 2-3 seconds for both the backward and forward phases.
Form checklist
- Keep your glutes squeezed tight throughout the set to protect the lower back.
- Maintain a 'hollow body' position by pulling your belly button toward your spine.
- Keep your arms fully locked out and your shoulder blades pushed away from each other.
- Ensure your hips do not sag toward the floor as you move into the extended position.
Pro tips
- Focus on 'pushing the floor away' as you move backward to maximize serratus anterior and deep core engagement.
- The further back you push, the harder the exercise becomes; prioritize a rock-solid spine over a longer range of motion.
Make it harder
- Perform the movement from a forearm plank position to decrease your base of support and increase the lever challenge.
- Add a 3-second isometric hold at the point of maximum extension.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the ring reverse ab rollout work?
- The ring reverse ab rollout primarily targets the abs and obliques, and also works the erector spinae, glutes, and quadriceps as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the ring reverse ab rollout?
- The ring reverse ab rollout uses suspension trainer.
- Is the ring reverse ab rollout good for beginners?
- The ring reverse ab rollout is rated advanced. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.