These 4 Easy Plank Exercises Will Transform Your Abs

Best plank exercises for abs

Core workouts are a great way to keep your abs strong. Enter: Planks. They engage a lot of muscles in the body (aside from the abs), including strengthening the back and shoulders. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate when it comes to working out, there are easy core exercises you can do that can help maximize your results to get your dream set of abs.

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Plank

1. Assume a plank position, resting on your elbows, with the balls of your feet about shoulder width apart. Your elbows should be directly underneath your shoulders, your back should be flat, and your neck should form a straight line with your back. Tighten your rear end and abdominals and the front of the thighs.
2. Hold this position for the suggested amount of time. Do not allow your lower back to sag.

What it does: This plank exercise strengthens the entire core. (Find out more tips to get better abs without crunches.)

Form tip: To intensify this exercise, narrow your base of support by moving your feet closer together.

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Michael Bambino & Co.

Plank walk-up

1. Assume a plank position, resting on your elbows, with the balls of your feet about shoulder width apart. Your elbows should be directly underneath your shoulders, your back should be flat, and your neck should form a straight line with your back. Tighten your rear end, abdominals, and the front of the thighs.
2. Plant your right hand on the ground and push up, then do the same with your left hand, to walk up and onto your hands.
3. Reverse the movement going back down, moving onto one elbow at a time. Repeat for the suggested number of reps, not allowing your lower back to sag.

What it does: This plank exercise strengthens the entire core and increases shoulder strength and stability.

Form tip: To intensify this plank exercise, bring your feet together and narrow your base of support.

Michael Bambino & Co.

Long lever plank

1. Assume a plank position, resting on your elbows, with the balls of your feet about shoulder width apart. Your elbows should be a few inches in front of your shoulders, forming a longer lever than in a standard plank. Your back should be flat, and your neck should form a straight line with your back. Tighten your rear end, abdominals, and the front of the thighs.
2. Hold this position for the suggested amount of time, not allowing your lower back to sag.

What it does: This plank exercise strengthens the entire core.

Form tip: To intensify this plank exercise, bring your feet together and narrow your base of support.

Michael Bambino & Co.

Side plank

1. Lie on your left side with your left elbow propped up directly underneath your shoulder. Your legs should be straight and stacked on top of each other.
2. Tightening your abs and the front of your thighs, lift your hips up and into the air. Your body should form a straight line.
3. Hold this position, not allowing your hips to sag, for the suggested amount of time before switching sides.

What it does: Strengthens the entire core with an emphasis on the side abdominals.

Form tip: During this side plank exercise, make sure your top shoulder does not rotate forward, as this makes the exercise less effective for your side abdominals.

(These are the plank upgrades that will reshape your body.)

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