Planking is a great way to add strength-building to your exercise routine. Variations exist to help people of all ability levels.
The pursuit of a strong core often seems like a lifelong ordeal. But regardless of whether your abs are visible, there are many reasons to focus on strengthening your core.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, creating a strong core can help prevent back injuries and improve stability (
And one of the best ways to get the job done? Planks.
Love ’em or hate ’em, planks are a supercharged way to tighten your core and shape your waistline. Many experts now recommend planking rather than crunches or situps, since planks put less strain on your spine and hip flexors.
Plus, a plank will strengthen your back, glutes, hamstrings, arms, and shoulders at the same time. That’s a lot of gain for just 30–60 seconds of your time.
Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, there are many variations of the plank to help you build a strong core.
This article provides 15 plank variations, ordered from easiest to hardest, to strengthen your core.
