Try these effective plank variations to improve your bodyweight training.
Building core stability and strength is essential to lead a healthy and functional life as the midline is involved in almost every compound exercise both inside and outside the gym.
“Core strength is the basis for all coordinated and powerful athletic movements. A strong core can reduce stress on the joints and allow you to achieve better posture, as well as significantly improving all round performance,” writes BOXROX Editor Robbie Wild Hudson.
How to do a plank?
- Knee on the floor and walk your arms forward until your wrists are under your shoulders.
- Go onto your elbows, placing them directly under your shoulders.
- Engaging your core, extend your legs so the only points of contact with the floor are the tops of your feet and your forearms and hands.
- Your elbows should be placed directly under your shoulders and your body should form a straight line, from the top of your head all the way down to your heels.
- Make sure your lower back isn’t rounded or your butt is too high.
- Hold the position for around 30 seconds, keeping your glutes and abs tight throughout.
Read more: What Are the 10 Most Common Plank Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
16 Plank Variations to Improve Your Bodyweight Training
- Low Plank
- High Plank
- Single Arm Low Plank
- Single Arm High Plank
- Buzzsaw Plank
- Pike Plank
- Plank Salsa
- Plank Jacks
- Extended Plank
- Helicopter Plank
- Side Plank – Elbow
- Side Plank – Hip Drop
- High Low Plank
- Side Plank Knee Tuck
- Side Plank – Hand
- Starfish
Based on your level of fitness, perform each plank for 30-45 seconds for 3 sets.
Watch these plank variations being performed:
Add the plank to your workouts with these Trade Secret Plank WODs for Unsurpassed Core Strength and Abs.
Image Sources
- Side Plank: Unsplash