Planfit Logo
  • Exercises
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Sign in
Planfit Logo

Copyright ⓒ 2026 Planfit Inc.

InstagramReddit
Exercise Guide
AI Workout Generator
Free Workout Plans
Privacy policy
Terms of Use
Blog
Planfit Logo
  • Exercises
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Sign in

Side Plank

Toned flank
Side Plank gif
Single-sided

About

It's the best workout to create a toned side line. It's important to keep your waist straight so that it doesn't bend!

How to Side Plank

Starting Position

1. Please lie on your side with your legs stretched out.

2. Use the arm on the floor to support yourself.

3. Place your opposite hand comfortably on your leg.

Proper Form

1. Lie on your side and position your elbow under your shoulder.

2. Keep your legs together and engage your core and glutes to create a straight line from your head to your legs when viewed from above.

3. Maintain tension in your core for the given time and repeat the same on the opposite side.

Breathing Technique

Inhale and exhale while lifting your body.

Precautions

When doing a side plank, keep your body in a straight line to avoid bending your waist.

From the Community

Side Plank Community

Join the Community →

Side Plank Related Reading

  • Full-body vs. split training: muscle and strength gains are the same — per a 2024 meta-analysis
    What Actually Matters

    Full-body vs. split training: muscle and strength gains are the same — per a 2024 meta-analysis

    Full-body or split? For muscle growth and strength, the answer is neither — they're equal, per a 2024 J Strength Cond Res meta-analysis of 14 studies.

  • Mind-Muscle Connection Matters — But Only Below 60% of Your 1RM
    What Actually Matters

    Mind-Muscle Connection Matters — But Only Below 60% of Your 1RM

    Focusing on the target muscle really does boost hypertrophy and EMG activation — but the effect vanishes at heavy loads, according to 4 controlled studies.

  • Magnesium won't stop your muscle cramps — unless you're deficient, per a 2020 Cochrane review
    Myths Busted

    Magnesium won't stop your muscle cramps — unless you're deficient, per a 2020 Cochrane review

    Magnesium supplements are the go-to for muscle cramps — but a 2020 Cochrane meta-analysis found no reliable benefit for most people. Here's what actually matters.

  • The Anabolic Window Is a Myth.
    Myths Busted

    The Anabolic Window Is a Myth.

    You don't need to slam a protein shake the second you rack the bar. Here's what the research actually says about post-workout nutrition timing, according to two landmark reviews.

  • Mechanical tension is the primary driver of muscle growth — and 5 peer-reviewed reviews in Sports Med explain exactly why
    What Actually Matters

    Mechanical tension is the primary driver of muscle growth — and 5 peer-reviewed reviews in Sports Med explain exactly why

    Mechanical tension isn't just one factor in muscle growth — it's the main one. Here's what the science actually says, across 5 reviews in top sports-science journals.

  • 3–5 sets of deadlifts per session is enough — what a 2022 RCT on 2 vs 5 sets found
    Numbers Don't Lie

    3–5 sets of deadlifts per session is enough — what a 2022 RCT on 2 vs 5 sets found

    Wondering how many sets of deadlifts to do? 3–5 working sets is the evidence-based sweet spot — according to a Sports Med meta-analysis and a 2022 RCT.

Curious about a Core workout plan that includes the Side Plank

Side Plank Alternatives

Plank

Plank

Reverse Plank

Reverse Plank

More

Side Plank vs

  • Side Plank vs Leg Raise
  • Side Plank vs Crunch
  • Side Plank vs Cable Crunch

Get Personalized Plans
and More detailed guidance with Planfit

Banner Image
Planfit Logo

Copyright ⓒ 2026 Planfit Inc.

InstagramReddit
Exercise Guide
AI Workout Generator
Free Workout Plans
Privacy policy
Terms of Use
Blog