Once you are feeling strong while performing a basic elbow plank what’s next?

Well, one answer is to just hold your planks for a longer period of time, and that’s fine up to a point, but here are some variations on the basic plank that will challenge you and keep it more fun than just watching the seconds tick by!

Side Plank (intermediate)

Start by lying on your side with your elbow directly under your shoulder. Lift hips off floor. When you first begin doing this exercise keep your knee in contact with the floor. Later, you can progress to doing this on the side of your foot. Complete 5-10 repetitions.

Elbow Plank with Leg Lift (intermediate)

Start in the basic elbow plank position. Alternately lift your toes from the floor a few inches. Complete 10 repetitions (5 lifts per leg).

Push-up Plank with single arm cross-over (advanced)

Start in a push-up plank position. Make sure that your wrists are directly under shoulders. Lift one hand from floor and touch it to your opposite shoulder, then return hand to the floor and switch to the other side. Complete 10 repetitions (5 per hand).

Push-up Plank with knee cross-over (advanced)

Start in a push-up plank position. Make sure that your wrists are directly under shoulders. Lift one toe from floor and bring knee in toward opposite knee. Repeat on the other side. Complete 10 repetitions (5 per knee).