Is the incline version easier than a flat plank?

Yes, elevating the hands reduces the percentage of body weight you must support, making the basic plank hold easier. However, adding the floor touch increases the stability requirement for the shoulders and core compared to a static hold.

How high should the bench or platform be?

A standard weight bench approximately 18 inches high is ideal for most. If you find it difficult to reach the floor without twisting your torso, use a lower platform to reduce the distance.

What should I do if my wrists hurt during this exercise?

Ensure your weight is distributed through your knuckles and not just the heel of your palm. You can also perform the movement with your hands gripping the sides of the bench to keep your wrists in a more neutral position.

Incline Plank With Alternate Floor Touch Guide

Master the incline plank with alternate floor touch. Follow our expert steps to improve core stability and oblique strength with this bodyweight move.

How to Perform

Place your hands shoulder-width apart on a stable bench or elevated platform and extend your legs behind you to enter an incline plank position.
Engage your glutes and core to create a straight line from your head to your heels.
Shift your weight slightly onto your left hand as you lift your right hand off the bench.
Reach down and back with your right hand to tap the floor briefly while keeping your hips as sturdy and square as possible.
Return your right hand to the starting position on the bench and stabilize your torso.
Repeat the movement with your left hand, alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
Maintain controlled breathing throughout the movement, exhaling as you reach and inhaling as you return to center.

Common Mistakes

Rotating the hips side-to-side during the reach phase
Allowing the lower back to arch or sag toward the floor
Bending the knees to compensate for lack of range of motion
Setting the hands too wide, which puts unnecessary stress on the shoulder joints

Muscles Worked

Primary movers

Stabilizers

Obliques
Shoulders
Hip Flexors
Glutes

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