How To Do A Forearm Plank To Work Your Whole Body

If you want a move that works your whole body, plank pose is a great place to start. And if you're looking to kick it up a notch to challenge yourself even more, consider forearm plank.

Forearm plank can be a part of yoga flows, bodyweight workouts, or even a stand-alone exercise whenever you want to get your heart pumping and core shaking.

If this variation is a bit too challenging for right now, you can also drop your knees to the floor.

To work your legs a little extra, try squeezing a block between your thighs, to activate them.

Remember to keep the hands and forearms actively pressing into the ground, core engaged, and heels back to keep everything in alignment. Otherwise, this pose can be bothersome to the lower back and shoulders.

"I love forearm plank because it's a functional, full-body exercise that doesn't require a ton of time or equipment to be super effective," Quadrini says. "Forearm planks activate your 360 core, firing up your transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, and your obliques, along with your glutes and arms."

And having a strong core, she explains, is very important for balance, posture, supporting your low back, and enhancing your overall workout performance.

Plus, the benefits don't stop in your core. This pose works everything: arms, legs, glutes, abs, chest, shoulders—you name it. (And if you're incorporating forearm plank into your yoga practice, you'll be glad to know this pose is excellent for strengthening your chaturanga arms.)

"A quick forearm plank is also a great way to boost your energy and mood," Quadrini adds, "and I love that there are tons of plank variations you can add to your workouts to keep it fun and challenging!"