Plank

How it is used

Very common in classes and home workouts. You hold a plank for a set time; variations include the side plank and plank shoulder taps. Instructors remind people: "Don't let your hips sag."

Example sentences

1. Hold the plank for forty seconds, then rest for twenty.

2. Side planks are harder than they look.

Common collocations

• hold a plank
• side plank
• forearm plank
• plank position

Related terms

• coreThe muscles around the middle of the body, including the abdominals, lower back, obliques and hips, that keep the trunk stable during movement.
• absShort for abdominals: the muscles at the front of the stomach, especially the rectus abdominis, which gives the "six-pack" shape.
• push-upA body-weight exercise in which you face the floor, keep your body straight and push yourself up and down with your arms.
• circuit trainingA workout in which you move quickly from one exercise or station to the next with little rest, usually repeating the whole series several times.

More terms: Exercises & Technique

• squat
• stretch
• deadlift
• bench press
• lunge
• pull-up
• form