Plank (BOSU Ball)
A plank exercise performed with hands or feet on an unstable BOSU ball, increasing the demand on stabilizer muscles and core.
Instructions
- Place a BOSU ball on a stable, flat surface with the dome side facing up.
- Assume a plank position with your hands placed on the dome of the BOSU ball.
- Ensure your hands are shoulder-width apart and directly under your shoulders.
- Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels with your core maximally engaged.
- Your shoulders should be packed with minimal shrugging.
- Maintain this rigid position, breathing steadily and avoiding any sagging at the hips.
- Hold for the desired time duration.
- If performing from your knees, the BOSU ball can be placed under your knees instead.
Tips
- The unstable surface of the BOSU ball requires constant micro-adjustments
- Keep your core braced—allow no sagging or piking at the hips
- This variation significantly increases stabilizer muscle activation compared to standard planks
- Start with shorter hold times to allow your stabilizer muscles to adapt
- Breathing steadily helps maintain core tension
- Progresses standard planks with increased difficulty
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Hold |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 15 s |
| Build muscle | 3 | 25 s |
| Build endurance | 3 | 35 s |