Skip Traditional Planks, & Try This Way Instead

Will Harlow, over-50s specialist physio, advises:

Get dynamic

The plank strengthens the core, but only in a static position. Since the core’s main job is to stabilize your body while moving, planks cannot, by themselves alone, fully prepare it for dynamic, real-life activities.

For this reason, he recommends: instead of just holding still, add limb movements. Lift one arm, then the other, to engage the core dynamically. You can also lift one leg at a time, or for a harder version, lift diagonally-opposite arm and leg at the same time.

Another alternative is toe dips: lie on your back, and flatten your lower back into the floor, and start with simple bent-knee leg lifts (left up, right up, left down, right down). Once strong enough, progress to controlled toe dips where each leg lowers to touch the floor (you can do this from a raised surface) while keeping your core engaged.

For more on all of this plus visual demonstrations, enjoy:

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Take care!