Which two muscles can provide a powerful depression force to support body weight during an L-sit?

• A. Serratus anterior and rhomboids
• B. Latissimus dorsi and Pectoralis major
• C. Trapezius and Levator scapula
• D. Teres major and Biceps

Answer: (B)

When holding an L-sit, you need a strong downward pull through the arms to press the chest toward the floor and keep the torso lifted. This is the role of muscles that depress the shoulder girdle and stabilize the upper body under load. The latissimus dorsi provides a powerful downward pull on the humerus, helping depress the shoulder girdle as you press weight onto the arms. The pectoralis major similarly crosses the chest and can pull the upper arm inward and downward, aiding in maintaining downward pressure and chest engagement. Together, they generate the main downward force that keeps you supported in the L-sit.

Serratus anterior and rhomboids mainly focus on protraction or retraction and elevation of the scapula, not the strong downward depression needed here. The trapezius and levator scapulae tend to elevate or retract rather than depress. Teres major and the biceps don’t provide the same combined downward depressor action across the shoulder girdle.