FitCi
Side Plank is an isolation exercise for the core: one joint works, so it comes after the compound lifts to finish the target muscle. Secondary muscles: shoulders, glutes. Equipment: bodyweight. Difficulty: intermediate, add it once the basics are solid. It takes 5 steps; the most common mistake is covered in the tip below.
Step-by-step
- Lie on your side and place your elbow directly under your shoulder.
- Stack your feet on top of each other, or place the bottom foot in front.
- Raise your hips to bring your body into a straight line.
- Squeeze your abs and obliques to hold the position.
- Hold steady for the set duration, then switch sides.
Coaching tip
Keep your body in a single straight line and lift your hips up to squeeze your obliques.
Caution
Skip this move or ask a professional first if you have pain or an injury in: shoulder. FitCi filters it out of your program automatically based on the injuries in your profile.
How to program it
Sets × reps and rest by goal; tempo and controlled reps matter most on isolation work. Start at the bottom of the range in week one; add 2.5–5% when you hit the top with clean form.
| Goal | Sets × Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3 × 6-8 | 120 s |
| Muscle gain | 3 × 10-15 | 75 s |
| Fat loss / conditioning | 3 × 12-15 | 60 s |
FitCi applies this table to your age and goal automatically and writes weekly progression.
Alternatives
- At home, no equipment: Plank, Hanging Leg Raise
- Same muscle, different equipment: Cable Crunch, Ab Wheel Rollout, Pallof Press
More core exercises
Add this exercise to your program
Build your own program in FitCi, pick an expert template, or photograph the plan your coach gave you; the app tracks sets, reps and weight.