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§ L · Exercises · AbsUpdated 6/2026

Side Plank

The side plank builds your obliques and core stability. A stronger core helps with everyday movement and heavier lifts.

Muscle group
Abs
Equipment
Bodyweight
Exercise type
Isolation
Technique
Basic technique
One side at a timeTime-based

Muscles worked

§ 01 · Muscles
Primary muscle
Abs

How to perform

§ 02 · Steps
  1. 01

    Lie on your side on the floor and support yourself on your forearm with your elbow directly under your shoulder.

  2. 02

    Extend your legs straight and stack your feet, or place the top foot in front for support.

  3. 03

    Lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from your head to your heels, and brace your core.

  4. 04

    Hold the position and breathe steadily while keeping your hips elevated without rotating.

  5. 05

    Lower your hips under control and repeat or switch sides.

Beginner's guide

§ 03 · Guide
What it works

The side plank builds your obliques and core stability. A stronger core helps with everyday movement and heavier lifts.

What it should feel like

You should feel it in your obliques and core. It should not be felt mainly in your lower back or supporting shoulder joint.

Most common mistake

A common mistake is letting the hips drop or the body rotate. Keep your side tight and your body in a straight line throughout the hold.

How to get started at the gym

§ 04 · SisuLift

Side Plank is ready to go in the SisuLift exercise library. The app builds you a program, suggests starting weights and shows this same animation during your workout at the gym.

  • ·A ready training program based on your goal
  • ·Starting weight suggestions and automatic progression
  • ·Set logging and rest timer at the gym
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
SisuLift app workout view

Tips

§ 05 · Tips

Keep your side muscles actively engaged and avoid letting your shoulder collapse toward your ear. Keep your hips neutral and face your chest straight ahead without rotating.

The Side Plank develops lateral core stability using only your body weight, with no equipment required.

More exercises: Abs

§ 06 · Same muscles

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