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Plank Up-Down

IntermediateStrengthTier T3

Start in a straight-arm plank. Lower one forearm to the floor, then the other, then press back up one arm at a time, changing the leading arm each time. You may feel your stomach, shoulders, arms and buttocks working.

Targets: Spine Chain (Full Spine)
Muscles: Transverse Abdominis, Rectus Abdominis

Stop if

Stop the exercise if this happens. Seek advice if it persists or you are unsure.

Also stop if you notice
Pain in the wrists, elbows, shoulders or back, or dizziness.
  • Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
  • Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.

Equipment needed

  • Works at home
  • Works at the gym

none

Home Options

  • bodyweight

Dosage

3

Sets

8

Reps / Time

60 sec

Rest

controlled

Tempo

Step-by-Step Guide

Set up

  • Kneel on a firm, non-slip floor and place your hands flat under your shoulders.
  • Step your feet back until you are on your toes with your feet about hip-width apart and your body in a straight line.
  1. Woman in a plank on straight arms and toes with her body in a straight line.

    Step 1 of 9

    Hold a plank on straight arms with your body in one line.

  2. Woman in a plank with her right forearm on the floor and her left arm straight.

    Step 2 of 9

    Right forearm flat on the floor, left arm straight.

  3. Woman in a forearm plank on her toes with her body in a straight line.

    Step 3 of 9

    Keep both forearms on the floor and your body still in one line.

  4. Woman in a plank with her right arm straight and her left forearm on the floor.

    Step 4 of 9

    Right arm straight on your hand, left forearm down.

  5. Woman in a plank on straight arms and toes with her body in a straight line.

    Step 5 of 9

    Hold a plank on straight arms with your body in one line.

  6. Woman in a plank with her right arm straight and her left forearm on the floor.

    Step 6 of 9

    Right arm straight on your hand, left forearm down.

  7. Woman in a forearm plank on her toes with her body in a straight line.

    Step 7 of 9

    Keep both forearms on the floor and your body still in one line.

  8. Woman in a plank with her right forearm on the floor and her left arm straight.

    Step 8 of 9

    Right forearm flat on the floor, left arm straight.

  9. Woman in a plank on straight arms and toes with her body in a straight line.

    Step 9 of 9

    Hold a plank on straight arms with your body in one line.

What you should feel

You may feel your stomach muscles, shoulders, arms and buttocks working, and your breathing speed up.

Breathing

  • Breathe steadily throughout; do not hold your breath.

Safety Information

Do this on a firm, non-slip floor with space around you. Move one arm at a time and slowly enough to keep your hips level. Stop if it hurts your wrists, elbows, shoulders or back, or if you feel dizzy. Stop if the exercise causes pain or you become unwell. Seek appropriate professional advice about symptoms or suitability.