Back Lever Body Cues

Hi,

 

Just wanted to inquire a bit about the back lever - when holding the static position are we to actively engage our biceps and shoulders by "pulling/tensing" against gravity pulling us down? Or are we solely to rely on strength of the elbow joints and sort of "dead hang"?

 

Thanks!

I go for a strong protraction in the shoulders. Makes my hold a lot stronger and straighter.

Even though the BL is a hang, your biceps, shoulder girdle, and pretty much the whole body is tensed and pulling against gravity otherwise your body wouldn't be horizontal. You should focus on actively engaging your shoulders even though they are automatically working.