UNPARALLELED ABS

The PARALLETTE SWING THROUGH is your gateway to a gymnast’s six-pack in weeks. No pommel horse necessary

Achieve the flexibility and functional muscle of a gymnast with our parallettes challenge

THE BEST EXERCISE YOU’RE NOT DOING

Remember that gymnast with the muffin-top paunch and no muscle definition? Neither do we. That’s because gymnasts, with their mix of flexibility and functional muscle, realised long ago that while six-pack abs might be made in the kitchen, they’re chiselled at the bar.

The swing through – performed on the parallette bars tucked away in a corner of your gym and criminally underused – is a beginner’s gymnastics move that yields elite results.

“Starting with momentum is key,” explains calisthenics expert James Greenwood. “Spring your feet forward and engage your core to whip your hips through.” Once you have perfected the movement pattern, you can slow down each phase to truly tax your abs. Aim to complete a rep in three seconds for Whitlock-level cred.

With the technique nailed, add three sets of 15 reps as part of a core finisher three or four times a week, and Greenwood says you’ll see the benefit to your midsection within a fortnight. Worth taking a swing at, we think you’ll agree.

01 BRACE YOURSELF

Slightly bend your knees and spring forward, engaging your core to bring your legs up to your chest. It’s similar to a foetal position – if the womb came equipped with parallettes.

02 TUCK IN

In a plank position, grab the parallettes. Activate your shoulders by hunching to hollow your chest, and position them directly above your hands. Prepare to push off from your toes.

03 PULL THROUGH

Here, the initial momentum pays off. Swing your legs to move your body into an L-sit position. Resist the temptation to drop your feet – this is when the experts hit slow-mo.

04 PUSH ON UP

When your feet hit the floor, push your hips upward and engage your glutes. Once your core is stabilised, reverse the move, then repeat. After 15 reps, nail the dismount.