Plank Jacks
A dynamic plank variation where legs jump in and out to the sides while maintaining a stable upper body, combining core stability with cardiovascular work.
Instructions
- Start in a forearm plank position with your feet together, core engaged.
- Maintain a straight line from head to heels throughout the entire movement.
- Jump both feet out to the sides simultaneously, landing with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Immediately jump your feet back together to the starting position.
- Continue this jumping pattern smoothly and with control.
- Perform for the prescribed number of repetitions or time duration.
- Maintain a stable upper body and core throughout the exercise.
Tips
- This is a dynamic exercise combining core stability with cardiovascular conditioning.
- Keep your core and glutes engaged throughout to maintain spinal alignment.
- Avoid letting your hips sag or pike upward as you perform the jumps.
- Land softly and silently to minimize joint stress and maintain control.
- Breathing: take a quick breath between jumps while maintaining steady breathing.
- If intensity is too high, step feet out and in rather than jumping for a low-impact version.
- This exercise is effective for both core strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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 | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 15 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 18 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 25 reps |