Planks, in their many variations, are some of the best exercises for building core strength. The single arm plank, in particular, is a great way to not only work your core muscles but also your upper body.
To perform a single arm plank, start in a standard plank position on your forearms and toes. Your elbows should be directly under your shoulders and your body should be in a straight line from your head to your heels. From here, slowly lift one arm off the ground and extend it out in front of you, keeping your body stable and your hips level. Hold for a few seconds, then switch arms.
Single arm planks are a great way to challenge your balance and stability while also working your core and upper body muscles. Some of the specific benefits include:
Like any exercise, there are a few things you can do to make sure you're getting the most out of your single arm planks:
As with any exercise, the frequency with which you should do single arm planks depends on your fitness level and goals. If you're just starting out, aim for 1-2 sets of 5-10 reps on each arm, 2-3 days per week. As you get stronger, you can increase your sets and reps or incorporate single arm planks into a full-body workout routine.
Single arm planks are certainly a great exercise for strengthening your core muscles, but they alone won't necessarily give you a visible six-pack. To achieve that, you'll need to combine consistent exercise with a healthy diet and optimal body fat levels.
Yes! There are several variations of the single arm plank you can try once you've mastered the basic movement, including adding a leg lift, rotating your torso, and incorporating a push-up.
Overall, the single arm plank is a challenging and effective exercise for building core and upper body strength and improving your overall body control. Give it a try and feel the burn!
