The plank is a great move for working multiple parts of the body. Planks help to sculpt the core, arms and back all at one time. Using variations from the basic plank will give you a whole new set of exercises to add to your workout. These eight variations above can help to achieve your goals, whether it be weight loss or body sculpting.Â
Dolphin Plank: Make sure your shoulders are stacked over your elbows and your body is in  straight line. Hold for 30+ seconds.
Plank V-Jumps: Begin in the plank pose and bend your knees, squatting down as if you’re about to play leapfrog. This is the start position. Hop both feet over to the right of your right hand, hop them back to the start position, and quickly hop them to the left of your left hand. Then hop back to the start position. Bounce as fast as you can, off the balls of your feet, for one minute
Circling Stability Ball Plank:Â Begin in a Dolphin Plank with your forearms resting on the top of the ball. Keeping your core strong and your body still; use your arms to roll the ball in small counterclockwise circles. Do five circles in this direction and five clockwise.Â
Plank Push-ups with Stability Ball Tuck:Â Place your belly on the ball and walk your hands out so the ball is under your shins. Do a push-up then straighten your arms and draw your knees forward into your chest. This will send your pelvis up and bring the ball closer to your face. Extend your legs straight back and repeat this sequence for a total of 15 to 20 times
Side Plank Leg Lift: Place your right elbow on the ground. Extend both legs out so that your body is in one straight line, and you’re balancing on the outside edge of your right foot. Flex both feet if you can and rest your left hand on your upper hip. Keeping your spine lengthened and your abs engaged, lift your left leg up just higher than your top hip. Then slowly lower it back to your bottom leg. Do three sets of 15 to 20 repetitions on each side.
Table Top Lift:Â Start in a tabletop position (shown above). Inhale and, as you exhale, lower your hips and straighten your legs so your hips are hovering above the floor (shown above). Do three sets of 15 to 20 reps, flowing from one to the other, pivoting on your hands and heels. To make this move more challenging, hold each position longer.
Dolphin Plank to Pushup: Come into plank position with your arms and legs straight. Beginning with the right side first, lower your elbow to the floor where your hand was. Then lower your left elbow to the floor where your left hand was (now you are in Dolphin Plank, with your forearms parallel). Then come back onto your right hand and then back onto your left, so you’re in the starting position (plank). This completes one rep. Do a total of five reps with the right side first, then repeat for five more, starting with the left side. This counts as one set. Complete three to five sets.
Elbow Plank with Donkey Kick: Â With elbows on the floor and your body in one straight line, lift your right leg into the air. Bend your knee, flex your heel, and press your foot up toward the ceiling without moving your pelvis. Lower the bent leg slightly and repeat for a total of 15 to 20 repetitions. Then switch sides. Do two sets on each leg.