Home/core/Plank

Plank

Difficulty: Beginnercore

Home Setup

Use any flat surface with enough space

FloorCarpetYoga matTowel

💡 Pro tip: Use a cushioned surface for elbow comfort

Gym Setup

Floor space or mat

Safety: Keep neutral spine, avoid sagging hips or raising glutes too high

Make It Easier

Regressions for building up strength

1. Knee Plank

bodyweight

Reduces lever length and load

2. Incline Plank

bodyweight + bench

Hands elevated reduces core demand

3. Wall Plank

bodyweight

Near-vertical angle minimizes difficulty

Make It Harder

Progressions for advanced athletes

1. RKC Plank

bodyweight

Maximum tension increases intensity

2. Plank with Leg Lift

bodyweight

Reduces base of support

3. Plank to Push-up

bodyweight

Adds dynamic movement

4. Weighted Plank

bodyweight + weight plate

External load increases demand

5. Single-arm Plank

bodyweight

Reduces points of contact

↕️ Similar Movements

Dead Bug
Similar anti-extension pattern supine
Pallof Press
Anti-rotation core stability
Bird Dog
Anti-extension with limb movement
Ab Wheel Rollout
Dynamic anti-extension
Hollow Body Hold
Similar isometric core bracing

Form Checklist

Elbows directly under shoulders
Squeeze glutes and quads
Neutral spine - straight line from head to heels
Brace core like taking a punch
Look slightly forward of hands

Common Mistakes

  • Hips sagging toward floor
  • Hips too high in the air
  • Holding breath
  • Shoulders shrugging toward ears
  • Head dropping or looking back

📈 When to Progress

When you can hold perfect form for 60 seconds for 3 sets