2 Plank Variations to Build a Strong Core

Plank with Opposite Arm and Leg Lift

When the simple plank is not challenging anymore, you can add difficulty by simultaneously lifting one arm and the opposite leg off the ground.

More: 4 Ways to Build Balance

Get your balance first, breathe in, and lift your both limbs up, parallel to the ground. Keep them straight and try to elongate your body as much as possible. Hold the top position for two seconds. If you lose your balance temporarily, try to regain it before you switch sides in a controlled manner. Repeat slowly 20 times.

More: Tone Up With Plank Pose

Plank with opposite arm and leg is very challenging, but is excellent to strengthen your core, shoulders and hips. Additionally, it improves your balance, coordination, and patience—important elements in your daily activities and life in general.

More: Pose of the Month: Inverted Plank Pose

Active logoSign up for your next race.

PREV
  • 2
  • of
  • 2

About the Author

Suzanna McGee

Suzanna McGee is a former Ms. Natural Olympia bodybuilding champion, currently nationally ranked tennis player and athletic trainer with focus on sport conditioning and injury prevention. Her book Tennis Fitness for the Love of it: a Mindful Approach to Fitness for Injury-free Tennis will teach you the techniques that even non-tennis players can use to live injury-free active lives. To learn more, visit TennisFitnessLove.com.

Discuss This Article