Plank is definitely not my favorite exercise, and I think many of you will agree with me. It can feel boring, repetitive, and honestly, sometimes I just want it to be over as quickly as possible. But at the same time, plank is one of the most effective core exercises you can do at home or at the gym. It works your entire midsection, helps with posture, improves stability, and supports almost every other movement in your workouts. That is why, even though I don’t enjoy doing it, I never skip it. I just found a way to make it more bearable and more effective.

To keep myself motivated, I always try to make my plank routine more diverse. Instead of holding a regular plank for a full minute, I add different movements that challenge my body and help me stay focused. These variations make the exercise feel less endless and bring a whole new level of intensity to the core. Here are a few of my favorite options that I rotate in my full-body workouts:

  1. Knee-to-elbow plank.
    This version activates not only your core but also obliques. The movement keeps your body engaged the entire time, so you don’t have a chance to get bored. It feels harder than a regular plank but extremely effective.

  2. Elbow plank with knee to the side.
    This is a small but powerful move that wakes up the deep core muscles. It also helps define the waistline. If you want to feel your lower abs working, try this variation.

  3. Plank with shoulder touches.
    A perfect exercise for balance and stability. It forces your core to work twice as hard in order to keep your hips still while you touch each shoulder. It looks simple, but after fifteen seconds you will understand how intense it is.

  4. Elbow side plank with leg raise.
    Side plank already demands a lot from your core, but adding a leg raise transforms it into a whole new exercise. It tones the sides of your waist, glutes, and even legs. This one is great if your goal is a strong and defined midsection.

  5. Plank with side rotation.
    I love this one because it includes controlled movement and helps open the chest and activate upper body muscles. It also improves overall coordination and makes your routine more dynamic.

You don’t need to do all of them at once. Choose one or two and add them to your regular workout. I prefer doing each variation for about forty-five to sixty seconds in three rounds. This way my core gets a solid and effective load, but I don’t feel like I’m stuck in one boring position forever.

The main idea is simple: if an exercise feels monotonous, change it. Make it more interesting, add movement, challenge yourself in a new way. Plank can be a powerful part of your routine, but only if you stay consistent. And consistency is always easier to maintain when you actually enjoy what you’re doing.

Try these variations and let me know if your plank routine feels different now.