The Plank Exercise And Why It Is Essential For Your Core Program

When designing your core strengthening program, there is one category of exercise that needs to be included: the plank! If you are unfamiliar with the plank exercise, it is when you are lying face down on the floor and you subsequently prop yourself up on your forearms and toes. The goal is to keep your entire body in a straight line (hence the name!) and to keep the rest of your body off of the ground.

The great aspect of this exercise is that it works multiple muscle groups at once including the abs, low back, hips, and shoulders. Also, it can be performed my practically anyone! If done properly, there should be minimal motion at your spine which makes it ideal even for people with preexisting low back conditions.

The variations that the plank exercise provides you are practically endless as well. The amount of time which you maintain the plank position can always be changed, especially as you get stronger. Also, additional movements can be combined with the standard position such as upper extremity reaches or alternating leg lifts.

This page with show you exactly how to perform this excellent core strengthening exercise plus some of the more common variations.

Low Planks

Standard Low Plank

-Start by lying face down on the ground, with your forearms tucked underneath of your shoulders.

-Prop yourself up on your forearms and toes, elevating the rest of your body up off of the ground.

-Hold this position, focusing on keeping your entire body as straight as a board.

Arm and Leg Extensions

-Assume the standard plank position, but this time lift one arm off of the ground and and reach forward. Return this arm and then repeat with the other arm. Do as many reps as you can before fatigue!

-Another variation would have your slowly lift each leg off of the ground in an alternating pattern, keeping your knees straight.

Same Side Knee Lifts

-From the standard position, bend your right hip and knee and try to bring your knee close to your right elbow. Alternate sides.

Opposite Arm Leg Lifts

-From the starting position, slowly elevate your right arm and left leg.

-Alternate sides.

Same Side Arm and Leg Lifts

-From the starting position, slowly elevate your right arm and right leg.

-Alternate sides.

High Planks

A high plank exercise is essentially the starting position of a push up. All of the above low plank variations can also be performed in this position as well if you are looking for more of a challenge.

The exercises below are specific to the high plank position.

Opposite Side Knee Lifts

-For this version, bend your right hip and knee and try to bring them to your left elbow. This is more advanced and, depending on your flexibility level, may require some trunk rotation in order to complete. Alternate sides.

Side Planks

The side plank exercise also comes in two varieties: low and high. For a low plank, start by lying on your side with your body in a straight line. Prop yourself up on your bottom forearm and ankle and hold this position. A high plank is slightly different as with this position your support arm is fully extended and your two points of contact with the ground are your hand and your ankle. The pictures below depict both the low and high plank:

Side Plank with Hip Drop

-Assume either the high or low position depending on your skill level. Slowly drop your hips closer to the floor and then raise them back up to the starting position.

-Repeat to the other side.

Leg Lifts

-Begin in either the high or low position.

-Maintain the plank, but repetitively lift your top leg to the ceiling.

-Once you are finished with one side, flip and perform to the other side as well.

High Plank with Rotation

-Begin in the high position, with your top arm pointed towards the ceiling.

-Bring your top arm forward and down while at the same time beginning to rotate at your trunk.

-Curl your top arm underneath of your body and around your chest, with your trunk now facing the ground.

-Return to the starting position and repeat. Perform on both sides.

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