Whether you’re a beginner or pro, male or female, underweight or overweight, doing plank exercises can help you strengthen and tone core muscles. From easy to advanced, there are different types of plank variations you can do at home and in the gym.
I’ve shared everything about plank workouts in this article, such as their different variations and benefits, the correct form, and the plank workout routine.
Knowing the different plank types can help you incorporate them into your daily workout routine.
Related: 10-Minute Abs Workout That Requires No Equipment
Doing different plank variations will be enjoyable and help you build a strong core and improve your athletic and lifting performance.
Plank Workout Overview
Plank is one of the isometric core strengthening workouts that you can do to bolster your abdominal muscles, thicken your six-pack abs, build up your endurance, and improve your overall workout performance.
The plank has several types (more than 20), and all of them are adaptable, effective, and challenging and forge your core.
Strengthening the core is essential because it comprises different muscle groups, such as the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, obliques, lower back, and hips.
Having a sturdy core provides stability to your lower back, minimizes the risk of injuries, enhances athletic and weightlifting performance, and helps improve posture.
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Correct Plank Form
The correct form is essential for doing plank efficiently. Executing planks correctly with the proper form generates the maximum result and reduces the risk of muscle cramps or injuries.
The form of the plank workout depends on the type of plank you do.
For example, if you do the standard forearm plank, your elbows should be directly underneath your shoulder, back upright, hips neither too high nor too low, toes on the ground, core tight, and glute engaged.
Here are some tips that may help you perform plank workouts with the correct form:
- Keep your back as flat as possible during the forearm planking. Because when you arch your back, your core wouldn’t engage properly, and you won’t get as benefits as you get by doing a plank with a neutral spine position.
- Do not let your hips go too high or too low. Try to keep your body straight from head to heels throughout the elbow plank.
- Engage your core during all plank variations.
- Whichever plank exercises you do, make sure you focus on your core during the movement. Looking here and there and talking to somebody may produce as much result as you want.
Muscles Worked During Plank Exercises
The different plank types work on multiple muscles at once, such as rectus abdominis, external and internal oblique, forearms, erector spinae, and upper body.
For example, standard plank targets the abs, and side plank works on oblique muscles, and hips, erector spine, and arms involved during each plank variation.
Also, Read: The Top 10 Calisthenics Ab Exercises
The Different Variations of Planks
When it comes to plank, you’ll get a plethora of options. Plank has as many as twenty to thirty variations for different fitness levels, such as beginner, intermediate and advanced.
Let’s take a list of all plank exercises from beginner to pro level.
Plank Variations for Beginners
- High Plank
- Incline plank
- Knee Plank
- Reverse Plank
- Reverse plank leg raise
- Crouch hover plank
Different Plank Types for Intermediate
- Rocking plank
- Forearm plank
- Side Elbow plank
- Side Plank Hip Raise
- Reverse plank Hip Raise
- Side Plank Leg Raise
- Swiss ball Plank
Intermediate to Advanced Plank Exercises
- Knee To Outside Elbow Plank
- Extended Plank
- Knee to Inside Elbow Plank
- Decline Plank
- Single-leg plank
- Stability Ball Side Plank
- Bird dog plank
- Single Arm Plank
- Moving Plank
- Push-ups to Plank
Okay, so let’s just quickly see how to do each plank variation with step by step guide.
Different Plank variations for beginners
1. High Plank
If you’re a beginner, you can do high plank exercises.
The high plank is one of the easier planks for strengthening your abs.
It only requires you to place your palms on the ground instead of the forearm, making it easy to begin your planking.
This plank variation works on muscle groups simultaneously, such as the core, hips, legs, arms, and shoulders.
How to do the high plank
- Start by sitting on your knees and place your hands on the ground shoulder-width apart, with your arms straight directly underneath your shoulders.
- Kick your legs behind you to get into an “up” position or push-up.
- Make sure your weight stays on your hands and toes.
- Engaging your core, focus on abdominal muscles and hold for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on your strength.
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2. Incline plank
The incline plank is one of the easiest plank types you can do as a beginner.
Like an incline push-up, the incline plank is also suitable for beginners because it requires less strength than the traditional plank.
How To Incline Plank
- Stand straight in front of the chair, table, or box, then kneel down and place your forearm on the stuff. Make sure your body makes at least a 30-45 degree incline.
- Now lift your knees off the ground and kick your legs behind you to form a straight line from head to heel.
- Make sure your weight stays on your forearms and toes. Brace your core and hold it in this position for at least 30 seconds.
3. Kneeling plank
The easiest plank workout on this planet is the kneeling plank, yet effective for beginners and females.
Everyone can do this, irrespective of age and weight.
It is the least effective but excellent way to start your core workout training.
How to do the plank on knees
- Sit on your knees and place your forearms on the mat slightly shorter than shoulder-width apart. Make sure your arms are placed directly below your shoulders and your feet behind you.
- Keep your back as straight as possible, brace your abdominal muscles, and hold into the position for as long as you can.
- Do this as many times as you want.
4. Reverse Plank
Like other plank variations, the reverse plank also strengthens the core and tones muscles.
But, at the same time, it also works on different muscles such as the lower back, quads, glutes, and abductors.
If you’re a beginner, you can incorporate this modified plank into your general workout regime.
How to do the reverse plank
- Sit on the floor on your buttock, legs extended straight in front of you. Put your hands on the ground at your sides, fingers pointing forward.
- Now push up until your arms are extended, and make sure they’re below your shoulder and your body forms a straight line from head to toe.
- Brace your abdominal muscles and hold them in the position for the desired amount of time.
5. Reverse plank leg raise
You can modify the reverse plank workout by raising your legs in front of you.
The reverse plank leg kicks may be slightly more difficult than the standard reverse plank but work better than that.
So including it in your plank exercise routine can help you build a strong core.
how to do the reverse plank leg raise:
Steps will be the same as the reverse plank but instead of holding your body into the plank position, raise your leg (one by one) until you feel the squeeze in your ab muscles.
Do this for at least 20 to 30 seconds to get an excellent result.
6. Crouch hover plank
The crouch hover plank is another basic variation of the plank that is suitable for beginners, especially women.
It helps you boost your abdominal strength and improve balance and posture.
How to do the crouching hover plank
- Get into a tabletop position on your hands and knees. Legs behind you, knees on the ground, and maintain a tight core.
- Now slightly lift your knees off the ground so that your body weight stays on your hands and toes.
- Hold in this position for at least 30 seconds for a better result.
Different Plank Types for intermediate
7. Rocking plank
If you have been working out for a while, you may try some modified plank variations, like the rocking plank.
Incorporating a rocking plank in your exercise routine helps build a stronger core, flatten your stomach, and increase mobility.
How to do the rocking plank:
- Get into a normal position with your forearms slightly shorter than shoulder-width apart and below your chest.
- Keep your back straight and maintain a straight line from your head to the heels. Make sure your weight stays on your hands and toes only.
- Now tighten your core and slowly move your upper body forward by rising higher onto your toes until your shoulders cross the fingertips.
- Then slowly move in the opposite direction to get back into the starting position.
- Do this for the desired amount of time.
8. Forearm Front Plank
It doesn’t matter whether you go to the gym or not; whether you’re a bodybuilder or an athlete, the plank is for all.
The forearm plank is one of the standard types of plank that all fitness enthusiasts love to do.
From strengthening the core to increasing endurance, it has numerous benefits.
Plank tone muscles, improve posture, flatten the tummy, strengthen arms and shoulders, and most importantly, fortify the core.
How to do the forearm plank:
- Get into a push-up position on your forearms, legs extended straight behind you, and maintain a straight line from your head to the heels.
- Hold your body weight on your forearms and toes with keeping the back straight and core tight.
- Hold in this position for as long as you can but at least 1 minute for effective results.
9. Forearm Side plank
You can do a side plank exercise if you want to target your love handles (obliques).
Side plank is also a core-strengthening workout that helps you work primarily on the oblique.
It also engages hips, arms, and shoulders and enhances strength and balance.
It’s pretty easy to do. You can follow the steps below
- Start with holding your body weight on the right side of your forearm. To make it easy, keep your right arm extended below your shoulder.
- Legs are extended and piled from hip to feet, and keep your other arm on your body.
- Keep your torso straight in line, tighten your abdominal muscles and hold into this position for the desired amount of time.
10. Side Plank Hip Raise
The side plank hip raise is a modified side plank variation and involves hip movement.
It is a lower-back-friendly exercise that strengthens the core, especially the obliques, and improves balance and coordination.
How To Side Plank Hip Raise
The steps are similar to the side plank, but there is one more step you need to add. Instead of holding your body in the fixed position, lower your hips slowly toward the floor without touching it and then lift them again.
When you’ve done on one side, move on the other—the suggested time is 30 seconds on each side.
Find difficult? Well, you can make it a bit easier by bending your knees. And even most effortless, putting your side knees on the ground.
11. Side Plank Leg Raise
Another side plank variation in this list is the side plank leg raise.
It is one of the best planks for the oblique compared to the others because it targets the love handles intensely and helps you develop a stronger core.
Here are the steps to do the side plank leg raise:
- Begin by holding your body weight on the right side of your forearm. Your forearm should be underneath your shoulder.
- Keep your legs extended straight in line, one leg on the other, and make sure your weight stays on the forearm and the side feet.
- Keep your torso straight in line, tighten your abdominal muscles and raise your left leg as high as you can.
- You can hold it for a couple of seconds at the top, then lower it down into the starting position. That’s one rep! Suggested: 10 reps on each side.
12. Reverse Plank Hip Raise
The reverse plank hip raise is one of the key variations of plank that works on the core and strengthens the lower back.
At the same time, it also improves flexibility, muscle coordination, and balance.
How To:
- Sit on the floor, legs extended straight in front of you, and place your hands on the ground behind you, fingers pointing opposite to the body.
- Now push up until your arms are extended, and make sure they’re below your shoulder and your body forms a straight line from head to toe.
- Now tighten your abdominal muscles, then slowly lower your hips toward the floor without touching them, and then lift them again.
- Do this for the desired amount of time.
13. Swiss ball Plank
The Swiss ball plank is one of the highly effective core workouts that simultaneously strengthen the rectus abdominish, external oblique, and erector spinae.
Performing plank on stability devices such as Swiss ball produces higher muscle activation in your core (rectus abdominish and oblique) – showed in research published by the Journal Strength and Conditioning Research.
So if you have access to a Swiss ball, do plank on it. You’ll surely enjoy it.
Here’s how to do Swiss ball plank
- Sit on your knees in front of the Swiss ball.
- Place your forearms on the ball.
- Lift your knees off the floor so you’re in an elevated plank position.
- Keep your core and glutes tight and your back as flat as possible. Hold in this position for as long as you can.
- Once you no longer hold, safely return to the normal position.
Advanced Plank Exercises
It’s time to explore the best planks variations, and I’m saying best not because they are difficult. I’m saying this because they’re super effective. So let’s just quickly find out those:
14. Knee To Outside Elbow Plank
Once you have mastered the beginner and intermediate-level plank exercises, you can try some advanced plank variations, such as the knee-to-outside elbow plank.
The knee-to-outside elbow plank exercise works on several muscles, especially the side abs or oblique. But, to perform the knee-to-outside elbow plank, one should have a good balance and core strength.
Here’s how you can do that:
- Get into a push-up position on your forearms, legs extended straight behind you, and maintain a straight line from your head to the heels.
- Hold your weight on your forearms and the toes with keeping the back straight and core tight. That’s your starting position.
- Now bring your right knee out toward the right elbow. Then return to the starting position and repeat on the other side to complete one rep.
- Do it as many times as you like.
To make it easier, you can even do this on a higher plank instead of a forearm plank.
15. Extended Plank
Like other planks, it also increases core strength, helps you flatten your belly or maintain abs, and improves posture.
Additionally, it also heightens muscles flexibility and muscle coordination.
If you have been working out for a while, you can include it in your plank exercise routine.
How to do the extended plank:
- Assume a p”up” position of a pushup workout with your arms extended and 8-10 inches away from your shoulders and maintain straight legs behind.
- Keep your body straight in line from head to heels. Brace your core and glutes and hold in this position for the desired amount of time.
16. Knee to inside elbow plank
Doing different types of plank movement can help you develop a solid core. And the knee-to-inside elbow plank is one of the best and most advanced plank variations you can do to build abs.
To do this movement:
- Get into a push-up position with your arms extended and slightly wider than shoulder-width, legs extended behind you, and maintain a straight line from your head to the heels.
- Hold your weight onto your hands and toes with keeping the back straight and core tight. That’s your starting position.
- Now bend your right knee and bring it from inside toward the left elbow. Hold for a moment if you want, then return your leg to the starting position and repeat on the other side to complete one rep.
- Do this desired number of repetitions.
17. Decline Plank
The decline plank not only improves core strength but also works on the shoulder.
The elevated position of the plank puts more stress on the shoulder and increases shoulder strength.
Avoid if you have any shoulder pain issues.
How to do the decline plank:
- Get into a forearm plank position with your legs extended behind you on 30-45 degree incline stuff like a bench, chair, table, medicine ball, etc. Keep your body straight in an elevated position from top to bottom.
- Maintain a tight core and hold in this position for 30-45 seconds at least for a good result.
18. Single-leg Modified plank
If you want to enhance your balance and mobility and strengthen core muscles, you can single-leg modified plank.
The one-leg plank is one of the best types of planks you can do for your abs at home and the gym.
Here are the steps to do the single-leg plank:
- Assume a push-up position with your forearms on the ground and below the shoulder.
- Keep your back straight and core tight, and raise your one leg until it is parallel to the floor.
- Hold for 5-10 seconds at the top, then lower it down and repeat the same with your other leg.
- The duration of this plank is up to you and your strength.
19. Stability Ball Side Plank
The stability ball side plank boosts external and internal oblique strength and helps you build a powerful core.
How to do side plank on a stability ball:
The steps will be similar to standard side plank but instead of keeping your forearm on the floor, keep it on the stability ball. And hold as long as you can on each side.
If you want to fortify your love handles, you can incorporate oblique dumbbell exercises in your general workout regime.
20. Bird dog plank
The bird dog plank is one of the super effective exercises for developing posterior chain muscles, including the core. It helps improve lower back strength, overall balance, and posture. The best thing is it is suitable for all fitness enthusiasts.
How to do the bird dog plank:
- Get into a high plank position with your legs extended behind, maintain some space between your legs about shoulder-width and keep your back straight and core tight. That’s your starting position.
- Now begin to raise your right arm and left leg at the same time until they are parallel to the floor.
- Hold for a moment at the top, then slowly lower it down. Then repeat this movement with your opposite side.
- This is one of the difficult plank types, so do this for the desired amount of time.
21. Single Arm Modified Plank
If you think you’re better at intermediate planking, try this single-arm modified plank. The one-arm plank is one of the advanced variations requiring good balance, core strength, and endurance.
To do the Single Arm Plank
- Get into a normal forearm plank position with your legs straight behind you. Keep your body straight from top to bottom. That’s starting position.
- Tight your abs and glutes muscles and slowly lift your one arm up until it is parallel to the floor.
- Bring it down and lift the other one, hold and return back to the floor to complete one rep. Do as many reps as you can.
- Keep your body firm to avoid any disbalance during the movement.
22. Moving Plank
Where do I need to move? Well, you can move your right, left, forward, and backward.
This plank variation is walking on your forearms and toes.
If you can do a standard forearm plank, you can also do this.
Here are the steps for how to do a moving plank
- Get yourself into a forearm plank position, keep your core tight and back straight and make sure your weight stays on your forearms and toes.
- Now slowly move toward the right (8-10 inches from the middle), then return to the beginning, then move to the left and again return to the beginning, in the same way, repeat in the other two directions.
- Do this for the desired amount of time.
23. Push-ups to Plank
The push-ups to plank work on various muscles such as the back, chest, arms, core, and hips. Not only this, but it also stabilizes spinal muscles and improves coordination.
How to Push-up Plank:
- Start with a high plank position, with your arms extended and placed below your shoulders.
- keep your core tight and back straight and make sure your weight stays on your hands and toes. That’s the beginning position.
- Now lower down on your one forearm followed by the other, so you’re now in a forearm plank position.
- To do the final step, push the floor with one arm followed by the other to return to the high plank position. That’s one complete rep! Do the desired number of repetitions.
- Keep your core tight during the whole movement.
Plank Exercise Routine
Here I’ll share some plank exercise routines for different fitness levels, such as beginner, intermediate, and pro. So depending on your fitness level, you can do one of them.
Plank Exercise Routine for Beginners
Monday
- High Plank – 30 seconds x 2
- Incline plank – 30 seconds x 2
- Knee Plank – 30 seconds x 2
Wednesday
- Reverse Plank – 20 seconds x 2
- Reverse plank leg raises -20 seconds x 2
- Crouch hover plank – 30 seconds x 2
Friday
- Forearm plank – 30 seconds x 2
- Side Elbow plank – 20 seconds x 2
- Side Plank Hip Raise – 20 seconds x 2
Plank Workout Routine for Intermediate
Day 1
- Forearm plank – 60 seconds x 2
- Side Elbow plank – 30 seconds x 2
- Rocking plank – 60 seconds x 2
Day 2
- Side Plank Hip Raise – 30 seconds x 2
- Extended Pank – 60 seconds x 2
- Side Plank Leg Raise – 30 seconds x 2
- Swiss ball Plank – 60 seconds x 2
Day 3
- Forearm plank – 60 seconds x 2
- Side plank – 30 seconds x 2
- Knee To Outside Elbow Plank – 45 seconds x 2
- Knee to Inside Elbow Plank – 45 seconds x 2
Day 4
- Extended Plank – 60 seconds x 2
- Single-leg plank – 45 seconds
- Single-arm plank – 45 seconds
- Swiss ball Plank – 60 seconds x 2
- Stability Ball Side Plank -30 seconds x 2
Advanced Plank Workout Routine
Day 1
- Forearm Plank – 2 minutes x 2
- Knee To Outside Elbow Plank – 60 seconds x 2
- Extended Plank – 90 seconds x 2
- Knee to Inside Elbow Plank – 90 seconds x 2
Day 2
- Decline Plank – 90 seconds x 2
- Single Arm Plank – 60 seconds x 2
- Single-Leg Plank – 60 seconds x 2
- Stability Ball Side Plank – 2 minutes x 2
Day 3
- Bird Dog Plank – 60 seconds on each side
- Push-ups to Plank – 60 seconds x 2
- TRX Plank – 60 seconds x 2
- Reverse Plank Hip Raise – 45 seconds x 2
Day 4
- Forearm Plank – 2 minutes x 2
- Knee To Outside Elbow Plank – 60 seconds x 2
- Extended Plank – 90 seconds x 2
- Knee to Inside Elbow Plank – 90 seconds x 2
Day 5
- Bird Dog Plank – 60 seconds on each side
- Push-ups to Plank – 60 seconds x 2
- TRX Plank – 60 seconds x 2
- Reverse Plank Hip Raise – 45 seconds x 2
Plank Workout PDF
You can download the PDF of these plank exercises if you want to keep them handy.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re an athlete, powerlifter, or bodybuilder, you can do planks to bolster your core strength, thicken your six-pack ab muscles, and reduce abdominal fat.
There are various kinds of plank you can do at home. For example, I’ve shared more than twenty plank variations in this article that can help you forge your core. Depending on your fitness level, you can do some of them.
Having a sturdy core provides stability to your lower back, minimizes the risk of injuries, enhances athletic and lifting performance, and helps improve posture.
Once you complete these exercises, you can then move on to weighted plank variations.
Related Core Exercises:
- Top 7 Landmine Core Exercises To Sculpt Your Abs
- Advanced Ab Workout: 10 Best Exercises To Build Solid Core
- The 25 Best Ab Workouts to do at the Gym
- Pull-Up Bar Ab Workout: 10 Best Exercises For Ripped Abs
- 16 Best Cable Machine Ab Workouts For Sturdy Core
- 10-Minute Abs Workout That Requires no equipment
