How to do the Straddle Maltese
Straddle Maltese is a beginner single-joint isolation pushing exercise targeting the Abs in the Waist region. Performed using bodyweight, it falls under the strength category. Secondary muscles engaged include Shoulders and Chest.
Straddle Maltese demonstration · © GymiaFit
Straddle Maltese at a glance
- Primary muscles
- Abs
- Secondary muscles
- Shoulders, Chest
- Equipment
- Body Weight
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Isolation (single-joint)
- Force
- Push
Straddle Maltese step by step
- 1Start by hanging from a pair of rings with your arms fully extended and your body in a straight line.
- 2Spread your legs wide apart, forming a straddle position.
- 3Engage your core and slowly lower your body until your arms are parallel to the ground.
- 4Hold this position for a few seconds, then push yourself back up to the starting position.
- 5Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Straddle Maltese — questions
What muscles does the Straddle Maltese work?
The Straddle Maltese primarily targets the Abs. It also recruits the Shoulders, Chest as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for the Straddle Maltese?
None — the Straddle Maltese uses your bodyweight only, so it works at home with nothing but floor space.
Is the Straddle Maltese suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is classed as a beginner movement: the pattern is simple enough to learn in a session and easy to scale by adjusting range of motion or load.
What can I do instead of the Straddle Maltese?
3/4 Sit-up, 45° Side Bend, Air Bike train the same muscles and make good substitutes when the equipment is taken or the movement does not suit you.
Log it, don't guess it.
The GymiaFit app has the Straddle Maltese demo, form cues and set logging built in — plus a muscle map that shows what you have actually trained this week. Free on iOS and Android.