Side Plank

The side plank is a fantastic exercise that targets and strengthens the muscles of your core, particularly your obliques. It is a variation of the traditional plank exercise, but with a twist. Instead of supporting your body weight on your palms and toes, you support it on one forearm and the side of one foot. This exercise not only helps you develop a strong, stable core, but it also improves balance and posture. The side plank primarily targets the external and internal obliques, which are responsible for rotational movements and side-bending of the spine. By regularly including side planks in your routine, you can tone and sculpt your waistline, providing you with a more defined and leaner appearance. In addition to working your core, side planks also engage the muscles of your shoulders, glutes, and legs, making it a compound exercise that trains multiple muscle groups simultaneously. As a weight-bearing exercise, it also helps improve bone density and promote overall body strength. To get the most out of side planks, it's important to maintain proper form and gradually increase the duration as you get stronger. By incorporating side planks into your workout routine, you can enhance your core strength, stability, and overall body composition, all from the comfort of your own home or gym.

Instructions

• Start by lying on your side with your elbow directly beneath your shoulder, and your forearm resting on the ground.
• Keep your body in a straight line from your head to your feet, engaging your core and glutes.
• Raise your hips off the ground, maintaining the straight line of your body.
• Hold this position for the desired amount of time, typically ranging from 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Repeat on the other side, ensuring equal time on each side.

Tips & Tricks

• Engage your core muscles throughout the entire exercise to maintain stability.
• Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe, avoiding any sagging or twisting.
• Focus on proper breathing, inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
• Start with shorter holds and gradually work your way up to longer durations to build endurance.
• Once you've mastered the basic side plank, challenge yourself by lifting your top leg or arm for added difficulty.
• Maintain a strong grip with your forearm or hand on the mat to prevent slipping.
• Practice proper form by aligning your shoulder directly over your supporting elbow or hand.
• Make sure to balance your side planks by performing them on both sides to avoid muscle imbalances.
• If you experience any pain or discomfort, modify the exercise by dropping your bottom knee to the mat.
• For a greater challenge, try performing side plank variations such as side plank with hip dips or side plank with knee tucks.