7 Side Plank Alternatives

Looking for a new challenge in your fitness routine? Explore our 7 Side Plank Alternatives to strengthen your core and improve body balance today!

Key Takeaways:

• Side planks are effective for strengthening the core muscles, enhancing core stability, improving balance, supporting good posture, and reducing the risk of lower back pain.
• If you find side planks challenging or want to add variety to your workouts, there are several alternatives you can try.
• The Russian twist, dumbbell side bend, seated spine twist, V-up twist, mountain climber crossover, asymmetrical carry, DVRT leg threading, TRX hip drop, DVRT half-kneeling arc press, and TRX side plank are all great options.
• These exercises target the obliques and provide similar benefits to side planks.
• They can be modified to suit different fitness levels and require little to no equipment.

Why Choose Side Plank Alternatives?

Side planks are effective for strengthening the core muscles, enhancing core stability, improving balance, supporting good posture, and reducing the risk of lower back pain. However, if you find side planks challenging or want to add variety to your workouts, there are several alternatives you can try. These exercises target the obliques and provide similar benefits to side planks. They can be modified to suit different fitness levels and require little to no equipment.

One of the reasons to choose side plank alternatives is to target the oblique muscles more specifically. While side planks engage the obliques, alternative exercises like Russian twists and V-up twists place a greater emphasis on these muscles, helping you develop a stronger and more defined waistline. These exercises involve rotational movements, which challenge the core in different ways, providing a fresh stimulus for growth and strength development.

Additionally, side plank alternatives offer a progression path for those who have mastered the traditional side plank and want to take their core workout to the next level. Exercises such as dumbbell side bends and TRX hip drops provide advanced variations that require increased core strength and stability. By incorporating these variations into your routine, you can continue to challenge your core and make further progress in your fitness journey.

In summary, side plank alternatives offer a range of benefits, including targeted oblique exercises, progression options for advanced plank variations, and the opportunity to diversify your core workout routine. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced exerciser, incorporating these exercises into your training can help you achieve a stronger, more stable core and enhance your overall fitness level.

Russian Twist

The Russian twist is a core strengthening exercise that targets the oblique muscles and helps improve rotational stability. It is an effective exercise for developing core strength and enhancing rotational power. To perform the Russian twist, start by sitting on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Lean back slightly, keeping your back straight and your core engaged. Hold a weight or medicine ball in front of your chest. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, twist your torso to one side, bringing the weight or ball with you. Keep your feet grounded and your hips stable as you rotate. Return to the starting position and then repeat the twist on the other side. Aim for controlled and smooth movements throughout the exercise.

To increase the intensity of the Russian twist, you can lift your feet off the ground and balance on your sit bones, creating an unstable position that challenges your core stability even further. You can also increase the weight of the object you are holding or add a twist at the end of each rep to further engage the oblique muscles.

The Russian twist is a versatile exercise that can be modified to suit different fitness levels. It can be performed with bodyweight only or with the addition of weights or resistance bands for added challenge. This exercise can be incorporated into a core strengthening routine or used as a standalone exercise to target the oblique muscles and improve rotational stability.

Benefits of Russian Twist
Targets the oblique muscles
Improves rotational stability
Develops core strength
Enhances power for rotational movements

Dumbbell Side Bend

The dumbbell side bend is a great exercise for targeting the oblique muscles and building core strength. To perform this exercise, you will need a dumbbell or a similar weighted object.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the dumbbell in one hand, with your arm fully extended and the weight resting at your side.
2. Slowly bend your torso to the side opposite the hand holding the weight, keeping your back straight and your core engaged.
3. Lower the weight toward the floor without touching it, then return to the starting position.
4. Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions on each side.

This exercise can be modified by using a heavier or lighter dumbbell, or by performing it with both hands holding a dumbbell. Focus on maintaining proper form and control throughout the movement to maximize its effectiveness.

Benefits of Dumbbell Side Bend
Targets the oblique muscles
Strengthens the core
Improves stability and balance

Seated Spine Twist: Strengthen Your Core and Improve Rotational Flexibility

The seated spine twist exercise is an effective way to strengthen the core and improve rotational flexibility. By targeting the obliques, this exercise helps to build a strong and stable core while increasing your range of motion in rotational movements. Plus, it can be easily modified to suit different fitness levels and requires little to no equipment.

To perform the seated spine twist, begin by sitting upright on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your right foot flat on the floor, ensuring it is close to your left thigh. Keep your left leg extended and your left foot flexed. Place your left hand on the outside of your right thigh, just above the knee.

As you exhale, engage your core muscles and twist your upper body to the right, reaching your right arm behind you. Keep your spine tall and your shoulders relaxed. Hold this position for a moment, feeling the stretch in your obliques. Inhale as you return to the starting position. Repeat on the opposite side for a balanced workout.

Performing the seated spine twist regularly can help to strengthen your core muscles, improve rotational flexibility, and enhance overall stability. It complements side planks and other core exercises by targeting the obliques, which are crucial for supporting good posture and reducing the risk of lower back pain. Add it to your workout routine for a well-rounded core strengthening workout.

Benefits of Seated Spine Twist	Instructions
– Strengthens the core	– Sit upright on the floor with extended legs
– Improves rotational flexibility	– Bend right knee, place right foot on the floor
– Targets the oblique muscles	– Place left hand on the outside of right thigh
	– Exhale and twist upper body to the right
	– Inhale and return to starting position

V-Up Twist

The V-up twist exercise is a challenging variation of the traditional V-up, targeting the oblique muscles for a stronger core. To perform this exercise, start by lying flat on your back with your arms extended above your head and your legs straight out in front of you. As you lift your upper body off the ground, simultaneously bring your knees toward your chest and twist your torso to the right, reaching your left hand toward your right foot. Lower your body back down to the starting position and repeat the movement, this time twisting to the left.

This exercise engages not only the abdominal muscles but also the obliques, which are responsible for twisting and rotating movements. By incorporating the twist into the traditional V-up, you add an extra challenge and increase the activation of the oblique muscles. This exercise can help improve core strength, stability, and rotational power, making it a valuable addition to any core workout routine.

For an even greater challenge, you can hold a medicine ball or dumbbell in your hands as you perform the V-up twist. This adds resistance and increases the difficulty of the exercise, further enhancing the benefits for your core and oblique muscles.

Benefits of the V-Up Twist
Targets the oblique muscles for a strong core
Improves core strength, stability, and rotational power
Increases the activation of abdominal and oblique muscles
Can be modified with added resistance for more challenge

Mountain Climber Crossover

The mountain climber crossover exercise is a dynamic movement that engages the core and challenges the oblique muscles. It is a variation of the classic mountain climber exercise, adding a twisting motion to target the obliques even more effectively. This exercise is ideal for those looking to strengthen their core, improve stability, and enhance overall athletic performance.

To perform the mountain climber crossover, start in a plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body forming a straight line. Bring your right knee towards your left elbow, crossing it over your midline. Return to the starting position and repeat with your left knee crossing towards your right elbow. Alternate sides in a fluid motion, engaging your core muscles to stabilize your body.

Incorporating the mountain climber crossover into your workout routine offers numerous benefits. Not only does it target the obliques, but it also engages the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and hip flexors. This exercise helps develop overall core strength, improves balance, and enhances rotational stability.

For a well-rounded core workout, consider combining the mountain climber crossover with other exercises that target the core and oblique muscles. Adding variety to your routine ensures that you are challenging your body in different ways and maximizing your results. Remember to perform each exercise with proper form and gradually increase intensity as your strength and stability improve.

Asymmetrical Carry: Strengthen Your Core and Improve Stability

The asymmetrical carry exercise is a functional movement that strengthens the core and improves stability. It is a simple yet effective exercise that can be done with various objects, such as dumbbells, kettlebells, or even a filled backpack. By carrying a weight on one side of the body while maintaining an upright posture, you engage the oblique muscles and challenge your core.

This exercise is particularly beneficial for athletes and individuals involved in activities that require rotational movements, such as golfers, tennis players, and pitchers. The asymmetrical carry helps develop the strength and stability needed to perform these movements with control and power.

To perform the asymmetrical carry, start by standing tall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the weight in one hand, allowing it to hang naturally by your side. Engage your core and maintain a neutral spine as you walk forward for a specified distance or time. Repeat on the other side to ensure balanced development.

Benefits of Asymmetrical Carry
Strengthens the core muscles
Improves stability and balance
Enhances rotational strength and power
Targets the oblique muscles

Asymmetrical carry variations include farmer’s carries, suitcase carries, and waiter’s carries, each placing a slightly different demand on the core muscles. Start with a weight that challenges you without compromising your posture and gradually increase the load as you become stronger and more confident.

By incorporating the asymmetrical carry into your fitness routine, you can add variety to your core strengthening exercises and target the oblique muscles for a well-rounded workout. Remember to maintain good form and listen to your body, adjusting the intensity and weight as needed. Consult with a fitness professional if you have any concerns or specific goals in mind.

DVRT Leg Threading: An Advanced Core Strengthening Exercise

DVRT leg threading is an advanced core strengthening exercise that challenges stability and engages the abdominal muscles. This exercise is highly effective for targeting the obliques and improving core strength and stability. By incorporating DVRT leg threading into your workout routine, you can enhance your overall fitness level and achieve a stronger and more stable core.

To perform DVRT leg threading, start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place a fitness ball between your knees and lift your legs off the ground, keeping your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Engage your core and slowly lower your legs to one side, threading them between your arms. Keep your upper back and shoulders on the ground throughout the movement. Pause for a moment and then return to the starting position. Repeat the movement on the other side.

This exercise can be modified to suit different fitness levels. If you find it challenging, you can decrease the range of motion by not lowering your legs as far to the sides. For more advanced individuals, you can add a twist at the end of each repetition by rotating your upper body in the opposite direction of the leg movement. The addition of these variations can further engage the obliques and increase the intensity of the exercise.

Benefits of DVRT Leg Threading:

• Targets the oblique muscles for enhanced core strength
• Improves stability and balance
• Engages the abdominal muscles for a stronger core
• Can be modified to suit different fitness levels
• Requires little to no equipment

Incorporating DVRT leg threading into your core workout routine can provide a challenging and effective way to strengthen your core and improve overall stability. Remember to maintain proper form and engage your core throughout the exercise to maximize its benefits. Consult with a fitness professional or trainer if you have any concerns or limitations before attempting this exercise.

DVRT Leg Threading	Instructions
Starting Position	1. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
	2. Place a fitness ball between your knees.
	3. Lift your legs off the ground, keeping your knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
Movement	1. Engage your core and slowly lower your legs to one side, threading them between your arms.
	2. Keep your upper back and shoulders on the ground throughout the movement.
	3. Pause for a moment and then return to the starting position.
	4. Repeat the movement on the other side.

TRX Hip Drop

The TRX hip drop is a side plank alternative that targets the oblique muscles and can be modified to suit different fitness levels. This exercise is performed using TRX suspension straps, which provide stability and support while challenging your core. The TRX hip drop is an effective way to strengthen your core, improve stability, and enhance balance.

To perform the TRX hip drop, start by adjusting the straps to mid-calf length. Stand facing the anchor point with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place your forearms on the handles, keeping your elbows directly under your shoulders. Engage your core and lift your hips off the ground, extending your legs until your body forms a straight line from head to toe.

From this position, lower your hips to one side, maintaining control and stability, and then lift them back up to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. As you perform the TRX hip drop, focus on keeping your core engaged and your body aligned. Aim to do 10-12 reps on each side, gradually increasing the intensity as your strength improves.

The TRX hip drop can be modified by adjusting the angle of your body or by bending your knees to decrease the difficulty level. For a more advanced variation, you can lift one leg while performing the exercise, adding an extra challenge for your core and obliques.

Benefits of TRX Hip Drop:
– Targets the oblique muscles
– Improves core strength and stability
– Enhances balance and coordination

The TRX hip drop is a versatile and effective exercise that can be incorporated into your core-strengthening routine. By adding this side plank alternative to your workouts, you can mix up your routine, challenge your muscles in new ways, and continue to progress towards your fitness goals.

Conclusion

By incorporating these 7 side plank alternatives into your fitness routine, you can strengthen your core, improve balance, and add variety to your workouts. Side planks are highly effective for targeting the core muscles, enhancing stability, and supporting good posture. However, if you find side planks challenging or simply want to switch things up, these alternative exercises offer similar benefits and can be modified to suit different fitness levels.

The Russian twist is an excellent choice for engaging the oblique muscles and improving rotational flexibility. By twisting your upper body from side to side while seated, you can enhance core strength and develop a more defined waistline. The dumbbell side bend also targets the obliques, utilizing dumbbells to add resistance and challenge the core muscles further.

The seated spine twist is another beneficial exercise that promotes core stability and rotational mobility. By sitting on the floor with your legs extended and twisting your torso from side to side, you can engage the obliques and improve spinal flexibility. The V-up twist is a more advanced variation that combines a V-up exercise with a twist, providing a challenging core workout while targeting the oblique muscles.

The mountain climber crossover is a dynamic exercise that not only strengthens the core but also improves cardiovascular endurance. By bringing your knees to the opposite elbow while maintaining a plank position, you engage the obliques and challenge your balance and coordination. The asymmetrical carry exercise is another effective way to target the obliques while improving core stability. By carrying a weight in one hand and maintaining proper form, you engage the core muscles and develop functional strength.

Additionally, the DVRT leg threading exercise, TRX hip drop, DVRT half-kneeling arc press, and TRX side plank offer further alternatives to traditional side planks. These exercises provide a unique challenge to the core muscles, improve stability, and require little to no equipment. Incorporating these side plank alternatives into your fitness routine will not only diversify your workouts but also help you achieve a stronger, more balanced core.

Source Links

• https://hortonbarbell.com/side-plank-alternatives/
• https://betterme.world/articles/side-plank-alternative/
• https://www.acefitness.org/resources/pros/expert-articles/5313/side-plank-alternatives-5-exercises-to-try/