Upgrade Your Planks And Build a Stronger Core

Upgrade Your Planks And Build a Stronger Core

Alex Honnold on Managing Fear & Living on the Edge Reading Upgrade Your Planks And Build a Stronger Core 2 minutes Next Try Our On-the-Go Power Smoothie

Front and side planks are amazing core strengthening exercises that work to build a strong foundation for all athletic movements. Functional core training is about power, strength and stabilization. Core muscles create a solid base for your body and can help facilitate movement.

One thing we can admit about planks, though, is that they can become very boring, especially if a regular plank is not challenging until you are holding for longer than a few minutes at a time. Adding new plank variations can work your core and make you feel the burn and be challenged much faster than your typical plank.

Functional core training is about power, strength, and stabilization. Core muscles create a solid base for your body, and can help facilitate movement. Here are 5 reasons to strengthen your core:

  • Elevates sports performance

  • Prevents injury and alleviates back pain

  • Helps to improve your posture

  • Improves your balance

  • Allows you to perform daily tasks easier

Ready to get started? Try these 8 challenging plank variations:

01 Front Plank With Leg Lifts

02 Lateral Resisted Front Plank

03 Resisted Walking Plank

04 X-Plank

05 Front Plank With Shoulder Press

06 Glute Medius Side Plank

07 Glute Medius Side Plank With Press

08 Glute Medius Side Plank With Row

Really try to challenge yourself to go beyond your typical hand or forearm plank and try a few of these more difficult variations! The dynamic movements and challenging positions each one requires will help you build a stronger, more functional core.

For more workout ideas, check out the TB12 Method Book