How do you do the Plank?

Lie face down and set your forearms on the floor with your elbows directly under your shoulders. Rise onto your toes with your legs straight and feet about hip width. Hold a straight line from head to heels, neck neutral and eyes slightly ahead. Keep breathing as you hold.

What muscles does the Plank work?

Mainly the abs, with help from the obliques.

What are common Plank mistakes?

Letting the hips sag toward the floor. Piking the hips up. Arching the lower back as you tire. Collapsing into the shoulders.

Plank: how to do it, form cues and muscles worked

How to do it

Lie face down and set your forearms on the floor with your elbows directly under your shoulders.
Rise onto your toes with your legs straight and feet about hip width.
Hold a straight line from head to heels, neck neutral and eyes slightly ahead.
Keep breathing as you hold.

Key cues

Elbows under shoulders
Straight line, head to heels
Press the floor away through your forearms
Breathe, don't hold your breath

Common mistakes

Letting the hips sag toward the floor
Piking the hips up
Arching the lower back as you tire
Collapsing into the shoulders

Muscles worked

Primary: Abs
Secondary: Obliques

Equipment

None.

References

StrengthLog: Plank
ACE: Front Plank
NASM: Plank