6 Plank Abs Exercises to Build Solid Core Strength for CrossFit

So effective in its simplicity, the plank is an excellent ab exercise to strengthen your core.

There are many great abs exercises to build core strength such as overhead squats, deadlifts, hollow rocks, L-sits, etc. . Adding different variations of the plank into your training will help you to attack your midline from new angles.

Core strength will help to:

• Avoid injury
• Stabilise your spine
• Control and generate force effectively
• Stabilise movement

Static holds are as simple as they are hard to perform, but extremely useful exercises to build full core strength and stability.

Toes to bar will not be a problem if you dominate an L- Sit; front squats and handstand walks will get easier. Even Olympic lifts will feel more comfortable when your core is strong and functional. Static holds are exactly what they sound like: a static position held for a period of time.

Key benefits of static holds in training are:

• Increased muscular endurance
• Increased muscular strength
• Toning
• Time saving

Read More: 8 Functional Exercises to Build a Strong Core and Abs of Steel

Abs Exercises – Glute Plank

Also known as the glute bridge, this plank focuses on the rear core muscles, glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. Start with your upper back on a weight bench or edge of a couch and bend your knees at 90 degrees having your back completely parallel to the floor.

Side Plank

Source: CrossFit Jacana

Start by lying on your side. Push yourself up onto your forearm and the side of your feet so your body is parallel with a wall. Make sure both feet are directly on top of one another.

Slowly raise your hips off the ground and tighten your oblique muscles until your body is perfectly straight. Avoid letting your shoulders roll or twist. In addition to your oblique’s, the side plank also stresses the abductors, delts, and lats.

Uneven Plank

The uneven plank is just as much of a core builder as it is a triceps builder. “Unlike the standard plank, you’ll lift one forearm off the floor,” says BJ Gaddour, “Now your arm is holding the bottom position of a pushup, which instantly activates your triceps.”

The longer you hold the exercise, the longer your triceps will be under tension. And since you only have one forearm on the floor instead of two, your core has to work overtime to stabilize.