19 Best Plank Exercises For Abs

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Searching for a way to sculpt your abs and build core strength?

Many fitness enthusiasts aim to achieve strong, toned abdominal muscles but often feel lost in the sea of workout options available.

Plank stand out as a stellar exercise that targets the entire core, offering benefits beyond just aesthetic appeal.

In this article, we dive into 19 top plank variations that promise to challenge and strengthen your abs like never before.

Each variation is designed to keep your routine fresh and effective, ensuring you stay motivated on your journey to achieving solid abs.

1. Spiderman Plank

Spiderman Planks stand out as a superior core exercise for sculpting toned abs. They target the obliques, abs, and glutes while improving posture and body alignment.

How To Do

Start in a traditional plank position with your arms straight and palms planted firmly on the ground.
Ensure your body forms a straight line from your head to your heels, engaging your core muscles.
Lift your right knee towards your right elbow, mimicking Spiderman climbing a wall. Keep the rest of your body stable.
Return to the initial plank position and repeat the movement with your left knee going towards your left elbow.
This side-to-side knee movement deeply engages the oblique muscles, enhancing the workout’s effectiveness for ab strengthening.

Focus on maintaining proper form to prevent lower back pain. It’s crucial not to let your hips sag or raise too high.

Incorporate Spiderman Planks into intermediate ab workouts for a full-body effect, challenging not just the core but also building strength in arms and back.

2. Knee-to-elbow Plank

Transitioning from the dynamic movements of the Spiderman Plank, we now focus on the Knee-to-Elbow Plank, a powerful exercise that targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously and effectively strengthens your core.

This plank variation stands out for its ability to not only sculpt your abs but also engage your hip flexors, lower back, and shoulders in one fluid motion.

How To Do

Begin in the standard plank position with your shoulders directly over your wrists, forming a straight line from head to heels.
Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your core before initiating the movement.
Slowly bring your right knee towards your left elbow, crossing under your body while keeping the rest of your body stable.
Return to the initial plank position and repeat the movement with your left knee moving towards your right elbow.
Focus on maintaining a controlled and deliberate motion throughout each repetition to maximize engagement of the oblique muscles.
Perform this exercise for several repetitions on each side, aiming for even distribution of effort across both halves of your body.

The Knee-to-Elbow Plank not only enhances core strength but also works as a compound exercise that offers full-body involvement—boosting shoulder stability and engaging gluteal muscles alongside calisthenics benefits.

3. Crawling Plank

The crawling plank elevates the traditional plank exercise by adding a dynamic movement that challenges your core strength and muscle.

It involves maintaining a plank position while executing a crawling motion, thus engaging multiple muscle groups for an intensified workout.

How To Do

Start in the classic plank position with your shoulders directly over your wrists and your body forming a straight line from head to heels.
Engage your core muscles tightly to keep your body stable and prevent your hips from sagging or lifting too high.
Move one hand and the opposite foot forward simultaneously, mimicking a crawling motion. This action demands balance, stability, and coordination.

Alternate hands and feet as you “crawl” forward for a set distance or time. Keeping the movements controlled and deliberate maximizes engagement of the abs and other core muscles.

For added challenge, try moving backward or side-to-side after mastering the forward crawl. This variation works different muscle groups and improves overall core strength.

Incorporate crawling planks into your routine as an alternative to situps or crunches for effective core strengthening.

4. X Plank

X Plank stands as a powerful compound exercise, enhancing core strength and safeguarding the body against injuries. It uniquely targets the hips, abdominal muscles, lower back, and strengthens them effectively.

How To Do

Begin in a standard plank position with your hands and toes firmly planted on the ground.
Spread your legs and arms wide apart until they form an ‘X’ shape with your body.
Ensure your back remains straight, avoiding any sagging or piking up at the hips to maintain optimal alignment.
Engage your core by pulling your belly button towards your spine tightly. This activation is crucial for maximizing the exercise’s benefits on your abdominal muscles.
Hold this position while breathing steadily for a duration that challenges you yet remains manageable.

Focus on keeping your hip strength in check; avoid letting them drop as this ensures you are engaging the correct muscle groups uniformly.

Gradually increase the hold time as your endurance improves. This progressive challenge enhances functional strength over time.

5. Rocking Plank

This twist on the classic plank not only targets your entire core but puts a little extra love into your rectus abdominis and transverse abdominis—those muscles that can really make your abs pop.

How To Do

Start in a traditional plank position, making sure your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles. Your palms should be flat on the ground, and feet set shoulder-width apart.
Engage your core muscles tightly to keep your body stable and prevent your hips from sagging or lifting too high.
Begin to rock forward slowly, shifting your weight onto your toes while keeping your hands stationary.
Gently rock backward, shifting your weight back onto the balls of your feet. This completes one repetition.
Aim for smooth, controlled movements throughout the exercise to maintain proper form and maximize engagement of the abdominal muscles.
Keep breathing regularly; do not hold your breath as you rock back and forth.

Focus on quality over quantity. It’s more beneficial to perform fewer repetitions with correct form than many reps improperly.

To avoid injury and ensure you get the most out of this variation, always practice proper form and control during each movement. Quick or jerky motions can compromise effectiveness and lead to strain.

6. Elbow Plank

The elbow plank stands as a cornerstone in the realm of core strengthening exercises.

It lays the foundation for a robust core by targeting not just the abdominal muscles but enhancing overall muscle stability and spinal support.

How To Do

Start this exercise by lying flat on your stomach. Press your forearms against the floor, elbows directly beneath your shoulders, palms flat or clasped together.
Elevate your body off the ground, forming a straight line from head to heels. This position mimics a push-up but relies on forearm support instead of hands.
Engage your core muscles actively. Imagine pulling your belly button towards your spine to increase abdominal engagement.
Maintain a neutral neck and spine alignment. Avoid lifting or dropping your head, which can strain your neck and disrupt proper form.
Hold this position for at least 30 seconds initially. As you gain strength, aim to extend this time gradually up to one minute or longer.

For beginners, consider modifying the plank by lowering your knees to the floor. This adjustment reduces weight on the abs while still offering significant core engagement benefits.

7. One Leg Plank

Taking your plank exercise to the next level involves challenging your balance while boosting core strength.

The one-leg plank does exactly that, turning an already effective core workout into a superior balance training and muscle endurance test.

How To Do

Start in a standard elbow plank position, ensuring your forearms are on the ground and your body forms a straight line from shoulders to ankles.
Engage your core muscles firmly to maintain stability throughout the exercise.
Carefully lift one leg off the ground, keeping it straight and parallel to the floor. Your body should remain as still and controlled as possible.
Hold this position for at least 10 seconds, focusing on not letting your hips dip or rise.
Slowly lower your lifted leg back to the starting position without losing form or control.
Repeat the lift with the opposite leg, aiming for an equal duration and intensity.

Keep alternating legs for multiple reps, depending on your fitness challenge level and muscle endurance goals.

8. Side Plank Pulses

Side Plank Pulses isan amped-up version of your standard side plank that targets not just your oblique muscles but gives your hips and glutes a fantastic workout as well.

What Are Side Plank Pulses? Simply put, side plank pulses are a dynamic variation to the static hold of a side plank.

While in the classic side plank position, you add small, rhythmic up-and-down movements to intensify the burn.

How To Do

Begin in a traditional side plank position, with your feet stacked or one in front of the other for more stability.
Firmly place your bottom elbow directly under your shoulder to ensure proper form.
Elevate your hips off the ground, forming a straight line from head to heels, activating not just your core but also emphasizing oblique workout.
Gently pulse your hips upward, moving them a few inches up and then back down without letting them touch the ground.

Maintain strong core engagement throughout; this stability exercise relies on continuous core activation movements to be effective.

Focus on controlled movements; this lowimpact exercise should be done with precision for maximum effectiveness.

9. Rowing Plank

The rowing plank stands out as a unique exercise that effectively targets your core muscles through dynamic movement.

This variation not only strengthens your ability to brace your abdominals but also closely simulates the action of core muscles during a rowing stroke,

So it is an excellent addition to any fitness training regimen for those looking to enhance their core strength and muscle activation.

How To Do

Begin in a standard plank position with your forearms on the ground, ensuring your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
Engage your core muscles tightly by pulling your belly button towards your spine and bracing your abdominals; this is crucial for stability throughout the exercise.
Lift one arm off the ground, extending it forward as if performing a rowing stroke, while keeping the rest of your body stable and motionless.
Bring the extended arm back to the starting plank position with control. This movement requires abdominal bracing and activates core muscles dynamically.
Repeat the movement with the other arm, mimicking a rowing stroke on the opposite side. It’s important to maintain a steady rhythm and avoid rocking or twisting your hips.

Alternate arms for each “rowing” motion, focusing on smooth transitions and consistent muscle activation across both sides of the body.

This dynamic movement enhances core muscle engagement compared to static plank variations.

Incorporate this exercise into your routine regularly, aiming for sets of 8 – 12 reps per arm. Consistency will help in building core strength over time.

10. Side Plank

Have you been on the hunt for an exercise that strengthens your core, improves your balance, and doesn’t take up too much of your day?

Let’s talk about the side plank, a powerful pose that does more than just target your abs.

What Is a Side Plank? It’s a static hold that really makes those oblique muscles work hard. You’ll feel the burn in your shoulders and glutes too.

How To Do

Start in a side plank position: Lie on your side with your legs straight. Stack your feet one on top of the other. Prop yourself up on your elbow, which should be directly under your shoulder. Lift your hips off the ground, forming a straight line from head to heels.
Engage your core: Tighten your abdominal muscles to maintain stability throughout the exercise. This activation is crucial for reaping the full benefits of side planks.
Focus on oblique muscles: Holding the side plank position targets and strengthens the oblique muscles along the side of your abdomen

Start with short holds, about 15-30 seconds, and build up as you grow stronger.

Remember, it’s not just about how long you can hold it, but keeping that perfect form. A side plank a day keeps the wobbles away!

11. Marching Plank

The Marching Plank is an effective exercise that strengthens your abs, shoulders, and core. It combines the classic plank’s stability challenge with dynamic movement to engage more muscles.

How To Do

Start in a straight-arm plank position with your shoulders stacked directly over your wrists.
Ensure your body forms a straight line from your head to your heels. This initial posture engages your core and sets the foundation for stability.
Lift your right arm and left leg off the ground simultaneously. While doing so, keep both limbs as straight as possible.
Carefully lower them back to the starting position without letting your hips sway or dip. This control is crucial for maintaining shoulder stability and core engagement.
Repeat the movement with your left arm and right leg. The opposite arm and leg movement further challenges your balance and upper body strength.

Focus on keeping a tight core throughout the exercise. Core engagement ensures you’re working the abdominal muscles effectively.

Aim for slow, controlled movements rather than speed. Rushing through this exercise reduces its effectiveness on stability and balance.

Incorporate breathing into each movement; exhale as you lift your arm and leg, inhale as you return to start. Proper breathing enhances core activation.

12. Reverse Plank Pulse

Have you ever tried boosting your reverse plank with a pulse? It’s not just about holding still; let’s add a little rhythm to your routine! Pulsing in a reverse plank position amplifies the workout, deeply engaging your lower back, glutes, and hamstrings.

How To Do

Start by sitting on the ground, legs extended in front of you.
Place your hands behind your hips, fingers pointing towards your feet.
Lift your body up into a reverse plank position, ensuring your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
Engage your core muscles tightly; this movement activates not just the rectus abdominis but also the obliques and glutes.
Now, add small pulses upwards by lifting and lowering your hips slightly without breaking form.
Keep the movement controlled, focusing on muscle engagement over speed.
Your hamstrings and lower back also get worked, thanks to this posterior chain activation.

Performing this variant effectively turns it into a full – body exercise with a keen focus on strengthening across multiple muscle groups.

Aim for short sets initially; even 30 seconds of continuous reverse plank pulses can significantly stimulate core muscles.

13. Reverse Plank

Reverse plank exercises strengthen your core and improve posture. It targets multiple muscle groups for a comprehensive workout.

How To Do

Begin by sitting on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and your hands placed behind you, fingers pointing towards your feet.
Push through your palms and heels to lift your hips off the ground, aiming to form a straight line from your head to your heels. Ensure your body remains rigid throughout the exercise.
Focus on activating your abdominal muscles while in this position to enhance core strength effectively.

This exercise also engages the posterior muscles, including the glutes and hamstrings, contributing to improved lower back support.

Triceps work hard during a reverse plank to keep the upper body lifted, offering a great arm workout.

Shoulder stability is crucial; maintaining a solid shoulder position helps avoid injuries and strengthens the shoulder muscles.

14. Stability Ball Plank

The Stability Ball Plank elevates your core workout to a new level, intensifying the challenge for your muscles.

It combines the benefits of a traditional plank with the added difficulty of maintaining balance on a stability ball.

How To Do

Start by placing your forearms on the stability ball, keeping your body in a straight line from head to heels.
Engage your core muscles to keep yourself balanced on the ball. This action not only strengthens your abdominal muscles but also involves multiple muscle groups.
Maintain this position while you focus on breathing steadily. The instability of the ball forces your body to work harder, enhancing core strength and improving overall upper body muscle tone.
For an added challenge, try rolling the ball slightly forward and back. This movement increases the intensity of the exercise, giving an extra workout to your shoulders and arms.

Incorporate this exercise into your routine to benefit from a comprehensive stability ball workout. Targeting not just the core but also lower back and entire upper body, it’s a versatile addition to any fitness regimen.

Aim to hold the plank position for at least 30 seconds, gradually increasing the time as you gain strength and stability.

This progression allows people of all ability levels to add strength-building challenges at their own pace.

15. Reverse Plank Leg Lift

This exercise not only targets your core muscles, including the rectus abdominis but also puts significant emphasis on your lower body by engaging your glutes and hamstrings.

How To Do

Start in a reverse plank position by sitting on the ground and placing your hands behind you with fingers pointing towards your feet.
Lift your hips off the ground, forming a straight line from your shoulders to your feet for the initial reverse plank.
Engage your abdominal muscles to maintain core stability throughout the movement.
Slowly raise one leg as high as possible without compromising the form of your reverse plank. Ensure you keep your pelvis stable and avoid any sideways tilting.
Hold this lifted position briefly to maximize glute activation and hamstring workout benefits.
Carefully lower your leg back to the starting position while maintaining a strong, engaged core.
Repeat this leg raise exercise with your other leg, keeping an equal balance between both sides to ensure symmetrical muscle development.

Focus on breathing consistently; exhale as you lift your leg and inhale when lowering it back down. Proper breathing enhances abdominal engagement further.

16. Thread The Needle Plank

The Thread the Needle Plank is a dynamic exercise that targets your oblique muscles and strengthens your core.

It combines the challenge of a side plank with rotation exercises to activate and engage your abdominal muscles more intensely.

How To Do

Begin in a side plank position, ensuring your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
Stack your feet for stability or place them slightly apart for more support.
Raise your top arm straight towards the ceiling, aligning it with your shoulder to form a T – shape with your body. This prepares you for the rotation movement.
Engage your core muscles tightly as if bracing for impact. This engagement is crucial for maintaining balance and adding intensity to the workout routine.
Slowly rotate your upper body as you thread the raised arm down and beneath your torso. Picture reaching for something on the opposite side to ensure full rotation.
Reverse the motion by unthreading your arm and lifting it back towards the ceiling. This completes one rep of muscle activation and stability exercise.
Perform multiple repetitions, focusing on smooth, controlled movements.

17. Bird Dog Plank

Looking for a way to challenge your core stability and spice up your abs routine? The Bird Dog Plank is your ticket to not only sculpting a solid core but also enhancing balance and coordination.

This move is a bit like patting your head and rubbing your belly—testing your ability to multitask physically.

How To Do

Start by positioning yourself in a standard plank position, ensuring your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
Extend your right arm forward while simultaneously lifting your left leg off the ground, keeping both perfectly straight. This movement mimics the stance of a bird-dog pointing towards its target.
Engage your core throughout the exercise to maintain stability and balance. It’s crucial for enhancing coordination and strength in your abdominal muscles, lower back muscles, and glutes.
Hold this position for a few seconds before slowly returning to the initial plank pose. Then switch sides, extending your left arm and right leg.

Incorporate this bodyweight exercise into your routine to work not only on core strength but also on erector spinae, rectus abdominis, and glute engagement.

Practice this variation regularly as part of your strength training regimen to experience improvements in balance, coordination, and muscle tone across abs, back, and glutes.

18. Chaturanga Plank

The Chaturanga Plank stands out as a highly effective exercise for enhancing core strength and targeting abdominal muscles.

It combines elements from the yoga routine with traditional plank exercises to activate multiple muscle groups.

How To Do

Begin in a traditional plank pose, ensuring your body forms a straight line from your head to your heels.
Lower yourself to a pushup position, keeping elbows close to your body, which activates over 20 muscles including shoulders, back, arms, legs, and glutes.
Hold this position just above the ground to engage the abs and core muscles fully.
This stance resembles the bottom of a pushup and demands shoulder stability and muscle engagement to maintain form.

Incorporate Chaturanga Plank into your yoga routine or as part of your core workouts. This variation targets not only the abdominal muscles but also quads and arms, making it a comprehensive exercise.

19. Hip Dip Plank

Moving from the Chaturanga Plank, we transition to an equally powerful core exercise that targets a different set of muscles for a more defined waistline: the Hip Dip Plank.

This variation focuses intensely on your obliques, glutes, and abdominal muscles, proving to be a key player in achieving that sculpted torso.

How To Do

Start in a forearm plank position, ensuring your body forms a straight line from head to heels. Your elbows should be directly under your shoulders for maximum support.
Engage your core as you dip your hips to the right side until they are just above the floor. Keep your movements controlled; rushing can reduce effectiveness.
Lift your hips back to the center plank position with precision and strength. This central movement is crucial for engaging the correct muscle groups.
Repeat the hip dip on the left side. Alternating sides ensures balanced strength development across your torso.

For beginners, try performing this exercise for 30 seconds and gradually increase as you build endurance and strength in your core and lower back.

Advanced individuals can aim for longer durations or increase repetitions within their fitness routine, challenging themselves further.