The plank is an exercise staple—and for good reason. The simple movement that can be done anywhere is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your core and tone your abdominals as well as improve your posture and stabilize your lower back.
As effective as the plank is, it can get boring if it's part of your regular workout routine. Or maybe it's just not that challenging anymore. These four exercise put a new spin on the traditional plank to help revamp your core workout and get the abs you want.
Back to Basics
First, let's make sure you've mastered the basic plank. Start by laying flat on the floor, face down. Place your hands, fingers spread, on the ground just outside of your armpits. Press your toes into the floor. Now, this is important, flex your entire body.
Although this move targets the core, it also engages other muscles like the back, glutes and triceps. Get the most out of the exercise by activating all of these muscles. Once you do, press up to the top of a push-up position. Hold it for at least 30 seconds. This same move can be done while propping your body on your forearms.
More: Tone Up With Plank Pose
