Plank is one of those poses that appears in just about every yoga class. A lot. Sometimes, we just see it as a transition pose – just getting from down dog to the floor for a rest. But plank requires a lot of strength and not just in your arms, but your core, back, shoulders, and even your hips and legs! And because you are not lowering down to a press-up, this pose has less wear and tear on your shoulders.
To find out just how good plank is for building strength, try these variations and remember to have fun!
- Start on hands and knees. Hands under shoulders or even wider. Spread your fingers and press through your fingers and the top of your palm.
- Keep your shoulders here and step your right foot back with toes tucked under. Now step your left foot back. Keep your feet apart.
- Now keep your elbows a little soft. Press the space between your shoulder blades up and image hugging a giant ball in between your arms. Squeeze your thighs in towards each other without your legs moving.
- Keep all that going and now…lift a leg! Try the other leg.
- Try lifting an arm. Try the other one.
- Ready for it – try lifting opposite arm and leg at the same time.
Plank variations for core and strength work
