How to perform Bodyweight Plank with proper form
Starting Position
- Get down on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
- Extend your legs back, one foot at a time, until your body is in a straight line from head to heels.
Proper Form
- Hand Placement: Keep your hands shoulder-width apart, fingers facing forward or slightly outward.
- Body Alignment: Maintain a straight line from your head to your heels. Avoid sagging your hips or lifting your buttocks too high.
- Core Engagement: Tighten your abdominal muscles to support your spine.
- Neck Position: Keep your head neutral, looking slightly ahead rather than up or down.
- Breathing: Breathe steadily through your nose, avoiding holding your breath.
Common Mistakes
- Dropping Hips: Maintain a straight line; do not let your hips sag.
- Raising Shoulders: Keep your shoulders directly over your wrists to prevent strain.
- Holding Tension: Relax your jaw and shoulders to avoid tension buildup.
Variations
- Knee Plank: Perform with knees on the ground to reduce intensity.
- Plank on Forearms: Rest on your forearms instead of hands for a different challenge.
Duration
Aim to hold the plank position for a sustainable amount of time, gradually increasing as you build strength and endurance.
Exercises
Ab Wheel, Bodyweight
Type: Core
Target: Abs
Synergist: Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Shoulders, Back, Chest
Arnold Press, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps
Arnold Press, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps
Around The World, Dumbbell
Type: Core
Target: Shoulders, Chest
Synergist: Back
Back Extension, Bodyweight
Type: Lower, Core
Target: Back
Synergist: Glutes, Hamstrings
Back Extension, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Core
Target: Back
Synergist: Glutes, Hamstrings
Ball Slams, Medicine Ball
Type: Core, Upper
Target: Shoulders, Back
Synergist: Chest, Abs
Battle Ropes, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Core
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Back
Behind The Neck Press, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps
Behind The Neck Press, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps
Behind The Neck Press, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps
Bench Dip, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Triceps
Synergist: Shoulders, Back, Chest
Bench Press, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps
Bench Press, Cable
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps
Bench Press, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps
Bench Press, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps
Bench Press, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps
Bench Press, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps
Bench Press Close Grip, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Triceps
Synergist: Shoulders, Chest
Bench Press Close Grip, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Triceps
Synergist: Shoulders, Chest