Plank Jack

Instructions

1
Begin in a horizontal plank position with hands shoulder-width apart on the ground, body forming a straight line from head to heels, feet together or slightly apart, and core engaged
2
Maintain a rigid plank position with neutral spine alignment, engage core muscles, and prepare to lift legs by contracting abdominal muscles while keeping upper body stable
3
Lower the legs slowly toward the ground in a controlled manner by extending the hip flexors, allowing the torso to remain stable and parallel to the ground throughout the descent
4
Raise legs back to starting position by contracting the lower abdominal muscles and iliopsoas, bringing legs up while maintaining a rigid torso and level pelvis until returning to horizontal plank

PRIMARY MUSCLESRectus Abdominis
SECONDARY MUSCLESIliopsoas, Rectus Femoris, Pectoralis Major, Serratus Anterior
EQUIPMENTBody weight
DIFFICULTYAdvanced

Overview

If you want to isolate and overload the Rectus Abdominis, the Plank Jack is an excellent addition to your routine. The mechanics of this Strength exercise specifically bias the Hips, Waist, while the use of Body weight allows for a smooth, natural resistance curve.

Benefits

  • Improves overall Hips, Waist stability and proprioception during heavy loads.
  • Utilizes Body weight to create sustained mechanical tension, forcing deep muscle adaptation.
  • Significantly enhances the structural integrity and power of the Rectus Abdominis.
  • Promotes balanced muscular development by effectively recruiting the Rectus Abdominis and associated synergists.

Common Mistakes

  • Shrugging the shoulders or compensating with secondary muscles rather than isolating the Rectus Abdominis.
  • Losing core tension, leading to poor spinal alignment and reduced power output.
  • Rushing the repetition tempo instead of focusing on the mind-muscle connection with the Hips, Waist.
  • Using excessive momentum to swing the Body weight rather than controlling the eccentric phase.

Pro Tips

To maximize the Plank Jack, actively squeeze the Rectus Abdominis at the peak of the contraction for a full second.

Exercise Variations

  • Dumbbell Plank Jack
  • Cable Plank Jack
  • Banded Plank Jack

Beginner Tips

If you are new to the Plank Jack, focus on mastering the movement pattern with zero weight before adding Body weight.

Frequently Asked Questions