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Planks are one of those solid, tried-and-true workout moves that deliver on what it promises — tight, strong abs — as long as you do them correctly. If you’ve nailed the basic plank and are ready to take it to the next level, we’ve got you covered!
Each of our plank variations offers the elements of balance, symmetry, oblique lifts, and lower back engagement to give you a complete, all-around core strength challenge.
Give these 5 plank variations a try if you really want to feel the burn in your abs!
Here’s what to do:
Perform each exercise for the time provided and move directly to the next one.
Go through the routine twice for a 7-minute ab-building workout.
Your form is crucial, so be sure to keep everything tight and aligned.
This is a great challenge to add to the end of your cardio workout or at-home workout when you have a few spare minutes and want to work your core!
1. Plank to Single-Arm Reach
Photo Credit: Get Healthy U
To perform a plank to single-arm reach:
Begin in a plank position with your shoulders over your wrists, your feet together, and your body in a straight line.
Raise your right arm and hold for one count. Repeat on the other side.
Continue for 30 seconds.
2. Side Plank Lift and Lower
Photo Credit: Get Healthy U
To perform a side plank lift and lower:
Come into a side forearm plank by lying in one long line on one side, stacking your elbow under your shoulder and keeping your forearm on the mat perpendicular to your body. Stack your feet and stay in one long line as you engage your core and lift your hips up forming a side forearm plank.
Dip your hips down toward the mat and lift back up using your obliques and core muscles.
Keep dipping for 30 seconds. Then, switch to the other side for another 30 seconds.
3. Side Plank Crunch
Photo Credit: Get Healthy U
To perform a side plank crunch:
Come into a side forearm plank by lying in one long line on one side, stacking your elbow under your shoulder, and keeping your forearm on mat perpendicular to your body. Stack your feet and stay in one long line as you engage your core and lift your hips up forming a side forearm plank. Lift your top arm toward the ceiling.
Bring the elbow on your top arm and knee on your top leg in to tap the elbow and knee together. Then reach both long and repeat the tap working your obliques and entire core with these crunches.
Perform for 30 seconds on each side.
4. Reverse Plank
Photo Credit: Get Healthy U
To perform a reverse plank:
Start seated on the floor with legs long in front of your body. Place hands behind your hips slightly wider than shoulders with fingers pointed toward your feet.
Lift hips and torso off the floor and gaze up toward the ceiling keeping your neck relaxed. Keep your body in a long line with softly pointed toes. Keep abdominals tight and do not let your back sag.
Hold for 30 seconds, then release to the floor slowly.
5. Cross-Body Plank
Photo Credit: Get Healthy U
To perform a cross-body plank:
Begin in a plank position with your shoulders over your wrists, your feet together, and your body in a straight line.
Lift your right leg off the floor and bring your knee toward your chest and across your body, bringing your knee as close to your opposite elbow as possible. Return your leg to be back in a full plank and repeat on the opposite side.
Repeat for 30 seconds.
Rest for 30 seconds and repeat all five moves for a total of 7 minutes!
The Best Love Handle Workout
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These five exercises specifically target the love handles and will have you feeling the burn!
Combine this workout with a healthy diet and cardio, and you’ll watch that belly fat “waist” away.
Yoga For Beginners | A Complete Guide To Get Started
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Learn the different types and benefits of yoga, as well as guidance on how to get started and choose the practice that works best for you!
Yoga For Beginners | A Complete Guide To Get Started
Strength Training for Women Over 50: 11 Best Moves
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